Overview
- Trustees approved the shutdown unanimously, ending more than 40 years of operations at the Baseline and Greenfield campus.
- About 270 students will be reassigned to Carol Rae Ranch, Val Vista Lakes, or Harris elementary schools, with district-provided bus transportation and confirmed capacity at receiving campuses.
- Pioneer has been the district’s smallest elementary for three years and holds an A state rating despite losing about 180 students over five years.
- Officials project roughly $2.5 million in annual savings from the closure, which helps but does not fully close the district’s anticipated shortfall.
- Pioneer staff will receive priority for open positions across Gilbert Public Schools, and the district attributes enrollment declines to fewer children per household, housing costs, and competition from charter schools and ESA vouchers.