Manitas Matters
Tell the Kyrene Governing Board:
DON'T CLOSE MANITAS
The Kyrene Governing Board’s revised School Closures plan would close 60% of the district’s most diverse schools while keeping open 100% of the least-diverse elementary schools. This decision disproportionately impacts students of color, including Black, Latino, Asian, Native American, and Pacific Islander, and sends a message that contradicts Kyrene’s stated values of equity and community responsibility.Even more concerning: after 7 months of careful, data-driven analysis and community input, the Board and Superintendent suddenly pivoted, with unclear reasoning, creating confusion and distrust among families.
Why THIS MATTERS
Diversity and Equity
The Long-Range Planning Committee worked for seven months to provide data-driven recommendations for the good of the entire district. Yet after just one community hearing and targeted lobbying, the Board chose to keep two less-diverse schools open while closing Kyrene de las Manitas, a majority-minority campus with double or triple the number of Black students compared to the schools being spared. This move undermines equity in the district.
Community Input Disregarded
The committee was neutral, invested hundreds of hours, and approached the task without personal gain. Ignoring their recommendations not only erodes trust in the Board and District but also discourages future community members from volunteering. The sudden changes appear reactionary rather than reflective of thoughtful, data-driven planning.
Prime Location
Manitas recently received major renovations, including structural, capital, and technology upgrades. Closing it now would waste taxpayer investment and likely require additional funding to expand other campuses, something families and taxpayers should not have to shoulder again.
Taxpayer Accountability
Manitas has existing, newly-renovated space to accommodate large numbers of soon-to-be displaced students without having to go to taxpayers for yet another bond or budget increase to build more capacity as would be necessary at other campuses. Taxpayers just funded significant capital, structural, and technology upgrades at Manitas that taxpayers shouldn’t see wasted and then asked to fund again for another campus.
Hands-on Learning
Manitas is the only Kyrene school offering 4-H and experiential learning programs, giving students practical, real-world skills that go beyond traditional and gifted programs. Closing it would limit opportunities for students to engage in hands-on, future-focused learning.
Manitas has been a model of innovative teaching, where educators work together as collaborative teams around shared groups of students. This approach gives every child more attention, support, and consistent relationships — allowing teachers to better meet individual needs and build a stronger sense of belonging.
When a school like Manitas, one that embodies teamwork, inclusion, and student-centered learning, is targeted for closure, it undermines progress toward a more equitable and effective future for education.
How You Can Help
Email the Kyrene Governing Board ASAP and tell them not to close Manitas! Use any of the points provided here, and feel free to add your own!
Attend the next community hearing and speak against closing Manitas:
Nov 12 - Altadena Middle School, 6 PM
Nov 18 - Kyrene District Office, 6 PM
Nov 19 - Aprenda Middle School, 6 PM
Sign the petition to keep Manitas open
Send us an email to get involved!
In the News
Nov 10, 2025 –Tempe Tribune
Fired-up Parents Continue Kyrene Closure Questions
Nov 10, 2025 –Arizona's Family
Parents Claim Closures Targeting Diverse Phoenix-area Schools
Learn More
Kyrene Long-range Planning Committee and Revised RecommendationWho is on the Kyrene Governing Board?What is the makeup of Kyrene’s schools?US News & World Report Kyrene Overview