AUSD Community, 

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we have worked through this school reorganization process. We value your time in pouring over data and sharing your thoughts. Parental involvement in decisions regarding the education of our students is paramount to student success. Together, we can continue the work of building a bright future. 

In the 2003-2004 school year, AUSD had 12,134 students. This year, 2021-2022, we have 7,084 students, a drop of 42%. This decline is due to numerous factors, including a declining birth rate in the state and in the San Gabriel Valley and rising housing costs. Declining enrollment is a statewide issue. We are just one of the local school districts impacted by this. 

Currently, we have 16 school sites for 7,084 students meaning the number of students enrolled in AUSD schools fills only 47% of the capacity of our facilities. School reorganization will allow us to increase and improve program offerings for our students. Secondary students will have more course offerings and broader access to courses of interest. In addition, our sports teams and extracurricular activities will be more robust. Our students will have access to a more robust and rounded curriculum at the elementary level, including access to updated technology and arts programs. School reorganization will also allow us to concentrate our existing funds for facilities improvements, maintenance, and safety. 

At the special meeting on March 29, 2022, the Board of Education revisited the elementary school closure decision. After analysis and discussion, Ellington and Powell elementary schools were voted to close. The school reorganization decisions to date and the timeline of implementation are below. 

We will have one high school, located on the Azusa High School campus.

• In 2022-2023 all incoming 9th graders will attend Azusa High School. 

 We will have one middle school located on the Gladstone High School Campus. 

• In 2022-2023 Gladstone will not have any incoming 9th graders.
• In 2022-2023 incoming 9th graders will attend Azusa High School.
• In 2023-2024 Gladstone High School will be closed, and students will be welcomed to Azusa High School.
• In 2023-2024 Gladstone Middle School 6th-8th will open.

Center Middle School, Foothill Middle School, and Slauson Middle School will remain open for the 2022-2023 school year.

• During the 2022-2023 school year, 6th graders will remain at the elementary level.
• Beginning the 2023-2024 school year, all 6th-8th grade students will attend Gladstone Middle School. 

Ellington TK-8 School and Powell Elementary School will remain open for the 2022-2023 school year.

• In 2022-2023 Ellington TK-8 School and Powell Elementary School will not have incoming transitional kindergarten and kindergarten students.
• In 2022-2023 incoming transitional kindergartners and kindergartners will attend Dalton Elementary School, Hodge Elementary School, Lee Elementary School, Magnolia Elementary School, Murray Elementary School, Paramount Elementary School, and Valleydale Elementary School. 
• In 2023-2024 Ellington TK-8 School and Powell Elementary School will be closed, and students will be welcomed to our other elementary school campuses. 

Will will continue to hold firm to our vision of equipping students to be problem solvers, critical thinkers, effective communicators, and positive contributors to the community. We continue to uphold our mission of preparing every student with the knowledge and skills necessary to fulfill their purpose and positively impact society. Thank you for entrusting us with your students and partnering with us in their success.