First task for new Alum Rock superintendent will be to shepherd district’s school closures

A STRUGGLING EAST San Jose school district plans to close multiple campuses as it brings on a new superintendent to help guide officials through the difficult process. 

Due to a projected $20.8 million budget shortfall, along with declining enrollment, Alum Rock Union School District will have to close up to nine of its 21 schools. Interim Superintendent Emmanuel “Manny” Barbara is facilitating committee meetings that will begin on Wednesday to determine which schools to close and consolidate. The committee will present its recommendation to the board of trustees by Oct. 30, and officials will make a decision by Dec. 5, Barbara said. The school closures and consolidation will go into effect for the 2025-26 academic year.