This would be the first consolidation of a neighborhood elementary school in more than three decades for Durango School District.
District leadership has proposed that Sunnyside students transition to Florida Mesa Elementary School beginning in the 2027-28 school year. The Board of Education will discuss the recommendation during the April 14 work session. No decision has been made yet.
“This recommendation is grounded in one guiding question: Where will students have the strongest long-term experience?” said Superintendent Dr. Karen Cheser. “As we look at enrollment, programming, and the future of our schools, we have to ask where students will thrive most — not just next year, but for the long term.”
District leaders point to shifting enrollment patterns and demographic trends as key factors. Sunnyside currently serves one of the district’s smallest student populations. Bringing students together in one school community would expand access to services, strengthen peer connections, and support a more collaborative teaching environment.
If approved by the Board, Sunnyside students and staff would transition to Florida Mesa Elementary School for the 2027-28 school year. The following year, the combined school community would move into the new Three Springs Elementary School, funded by the 2024 Investing in Our Schools Bond.
Leaders say this phased approach allows time to build relationships and create a unified school culture before opening the new campus. “This is about making thoughtful, long-term choices that reflect where our students are today and where our community is growing,” Cheser said.
District leaders also recognize the deep connection families have to Sunnyside. “Sunnyside is more than a school — it is part of the identity of this community,” Cheser said. “We know this is an emotional conversation, and we are committed to approaching it with care and transparency.”
The district’s recommendation will be discussed at upcoming Board of Education meetings:
- April 14, 5:30 p.m., Board Work Session at Miller Middle School, 2608 Junction St. — The DSD Board of Education will discuss the district’s recommendation. The Board will also discuss a stakeholder engagement plan following the district's recommendations. This meeting will not be livestreamed, and there is no public participation.
- April 28, 5:30 p.m., Board Regular Meeting at Impact Career Innovation Center, 2410 Main Ave. — The meeting will be livestreamed on YouTube, and public participation is available in person or by Zoom. Visit this page to sign up for public participation. The sign-up link will open April 27 at 5 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions: District recommendation to consolidate Sunnyside Elementary School
What is happening with Sunnyside Elementary School?
The district is recommending that Sunnyside Elementary School students transition to Florida Mesa Elementary School beginning in the 2027-28 school year. This recommendation is centered on one guiding question: What provides the strongest long-term experience for students?
Why is the district recommending this change?
We are putting students first with this recommendation. Sunnyside currently serves one of the district’s smallest student populations, which can limit access to programming and peer collaboration across grade levels.
When we look at enrollment trends, staffing, programming, and the future opening of Three Springs Elementary School, we have to ask: Where will students thrive most? Bringing students together strengthens peer connections, expands programming, and creates a larger, collaborative teaching community. While financial realities require careful planning, this proposal is about building the strongest possible experience for kids — not just for next year, but for the long term.
We know schools are woven into a community's identity. Sunnyside Elementary holds decades of stories, traditions, and pride. For many families, it is part of their family history. That is why this conversation is emotional and why we approach it with care.
This would be the first consolidation of a neighborhood elementary school in more than three decades for our district. Enrollment patterns and demographic shifts are changing the landscape of public education statewide, and we must respond thoughtfully. Our goal is to move forward in a way that honors the legacy of Sunnyside while building the strongest future possible for students.
What are the benefits of bringing students together in one school community?
This recommendation is about strengthening opportunities for students, including:
- Broader peer groups and stronger grade-level collaboration
- More consistent access to specialized services, including English Language Development, special education, and gifted and talented support
- Expanded programming opportunities
- Increased teacher collaboration across grade levels
- A stronger, more sustainable school community ahead of the move to Three Springs Elementary
Has the Board made a decision?
No decision has been made yet. As of early April 2026, this is a recommendation from district leadership. The Board of Education will:
- Discuss the recommendation and a stakeholder engagement plan at the April 14 work session
- Continue discussion and consider potential action at future meetings
Is this just about saving money?
The district is facing approximately $2 million in budget reductions, which requires thoughtful long-term planning. District leaders project approximately $740,000 savings if Sunnyside is consolidated. However, this recommendation is not about assigning dollar values to children or programs. It is about ensuring students have access to a vibrant, well-supported learning environment.
Very small enrollment can limit:
- Peer interaction at each grade level
- Scheduling flexibility
- Access to specialized services
- Opportunities for collaborative teaching models
The recommendation focuses on strengthening the student experience while responsibly addressing financial realities.
Why move students to Florida Mesa first instead of directly to Three Springs Elementary?
If approved by the Board, Sunnyside staff and students would likely transition to Florida Mesa Elementary School for the 2027-28 school year. In the 2028-29 school year, the combined Florida Mesa and Sunnyside community would begin together at the new Three Springs Elementary School, with funding made possible by the 2024 Investing in Our Schools Bond.
This phased approach allows:
- Students to integrate into a larger school community before entering a brand-new facility
- Teachers to align instructional practices and collaborate
- Families to help shape the culture of the future Three Springs school
- One unified launch in the new building, rather than merging separate communities on opening day
The transition year is intended to build community and stability.
Will I have the option to open-enroll if this is finalized?
Yes. If the Board approves the consolidation, the district will reopen open enrollment specifically for Sunnyside Elementary families. This will provide families the opportunity to explore other school options within the district if they choose. Detailed timelines and support will be provided to ensure families understand their choices and have clear next steps.
Enrollment patterns will continue to be monitored as part of this process. If a significant number of students choose to enroll in other schools, the district may need to revisit timelines to ensure students continue to have a strong and stable learning environment. Any changes would be communicated in advance.
Will class sizes increase?
Class size planning would prioritize maintaining healthy, effective learning environments. Combining schools can support stronger grade-level collaboration and balanced classroom composition. More detailed projections would be shared following any Board action.
What would happen to staff?
If approved, the district would support Sunnyside Elementary staff through a thoughtful transition process. The district values its educators and would work to place staff members in roles that continue supporting students across the district. More detailed staffing information would be shared following Board action.
What would happen to the Sunnyside Elementary building?
No final decisions have been made. Any future decision would prioritize responsible stewardship of district assets. The district is exploring fiscally responsible options that may include:
- Relocation of district facilities operations
- Adaptive reuse
- Potential future housing development
What would transportation look like?
If approved, the district would review and adjust transportation routes to ensure safe and reasonable travel times for students. Some students may experience longer bus rides, and that is an important consideration. Detailed route information and estimated travel times would be shared well before the transition year.
The district’s priority would be to:
- Maintain safe, efficient routes
- Minimize excessive travel time whenever possible
- Communicate clearly with families before any changes take effect
Transportation planning would begin immediately following a Board decision.
What happens next?
The public is invited to attend board meetings, including two upcoming meetings in April:
- April 14, 5:30 p.m., Board Work Session at Miller Middle School, 2608 Junction St. — The DSD Board of Education will discuss the district’s recommendation. The Board will also discuss a stakeholder engagement plan following the district's recommendations. This meeting will not be livestreamed, and there is no public participation.
- April 28, 5:30 p.m., Board Regular Meeting at Impact Career Innovation Center, 2410 Main Ave. — The meeting will be livestreamed on YouTube, and public participation is available in person or by Zoom. Visit this page to sign up for public participation. The sign-up link will open April 27 at 5 p.m.
Again, no decision has been made yet. The district is committed to transparency and continued communication throughout this process.