We believe the proposal to close Patwin and Birch Lane Elementary is the wrong approach to addressing declining enrollment and budget challenges. School closures are among the most disruptive actions a district can take, with lasting negative impacts on students, families, and the broader community. They are not in the best interest of our children or our neighborhoods. We also have serious concerns about the data, assumptions, and conclusions DJUSD has presented to justify these closures. There are less harmful, more equitable ways to achieve financial stability, and this page presents research, data, and analysis that challenge the district’s narrative and offer a more informed foundation for decision-making.