Most You Can’t Make It Up! moments involve some level of humor. But sometimes, there are those moments that are just as unexpected—just without the punchline. That was certainly the case when I recently met a colleague from another state facing the unthinkable: closing multiple schools next year.
Not just one or two.
TEN. SCHOOLS.
The Weight of School Closures
I’ve been lucky. The only time I’ve been involved in closing a school was when a brand-new one was opening in its place. I’ve never had to completely dismantle an existing school. But I’ve worked with many people in the aftermath of that experience, and let me tell you—it feels like a loss. A deep, personal loss.
For students, families, and staff, a school is more than a building. It’s memories, identity, and community. Seeing something you love and invest in disappear is heartbreaking.
And then there’s the flip side: the leaders making those tough calls. They don’t just wake up one day and decide, “Hey, let’s shut this place down.” They endure months of angry community meetings, gut-wrenching testimonies, and sometimes even real hatred and threats.
The Usual Reasons for Closing a School
Most school closures happen for familiar reasons:
- Neighborhood shifts—populations move, demographics change.
- Gentrification—some areas boom, others dwindle.
- Repurposing—sometimes, a building is just needed for something else.
And then there’s district consolidation. While it technically keeps schools open, it often means merging rival communities, disrupting generations of school pride, and wiping out a town’s identity in the process.
But closing TEN schools at once? That’s next-level You Can’t Make It Up!
The Real Challenges of Closing Schools
Closing multiple schools isn’t just about locking the doors and turning off the lights.
It’s about:
- Blending student populations (aka: instant rivalries).
- Relocating staff (some willingly, some… not so much).
- Eliminating positions (the worst part).
During my conversation with this colleague, we talked about both the practical and emotional toll of school closures. Because when a school disappears, so do pieces of identity.
What if you were a Tiger with black and orange colors, and now you’re suddenly an Eagle wearing blue and green? That’s an adjustment.
And what about all the memories? Awards, trophies, photos, and memorabilia? Schools need a plan to respectfully handle these pieces of history. Because trust me, if you don’t? People will not forget.
Key Takeaways: Navigating The Closure
If you ever find yourself in the unenviable position of closing a school (or ten), here’s are some strategies to help navigate the final months:
- Acknowledge the loss: Give people space to talk about their feelings. Losing a school is losing a part of life—don’t downplay it.
- Plan closure events: Host ceremonies, reunions, or memory walks to honor the school’s legacy. Let people celebrate the good times before the final bell rings.
- Support transitions: If students and staff are moving to a new school, start working with that school now. Help build a welcoming environment before day one.
- Be mindful of your words: “Well, you’ll make new friends!” sounds nice, but it can be dismissive. Instead, try:
- “I know you’ll miss this place. What do you love most about it?”
- “You’re a great friend to others—no wonder you have so many!”
- Prepare leaders to guide change: Not everyone instinctively knows how to handle a transition this big. Provide a roadmap, training, and ongoing support.
- Understand that change isn’t instant: For some, moving on will be easy. For others, it will take months—or years. Respect the process.
- Educate yourself on change management: Read up on change theory. Understanding the psychology of transitions makes a huge difference.
Final Thoughts
Closing a school is never easy, and it’s almost always emotional. But with the right approach, you can help people grieve, celebrate, and move forward with dignity.
And if you ever have to close TEN schools? Well, let’s say—You Can’t Make It Up!
Jane
Book Recommendation: I’m a big fan of William Bridges and his books on transitions. Here’s one you may want to check out if you’re facing significant changes:
