San Jose Unified board approves closure of five elementary schools in divided vote

HUNDREDS OF PARENTS sat anxiously and silently as they waited for five board members in San Jose’s largest school district to determine the fate of their children’s future — and then the room erupted with “shame on you.”

The San Jose Unified School District voted 3-2 Thursday to close five schools next school year, following the recommendation of its Schools of Tomorrow Implementation Committee. Although up to nine schools were previously on the chopping block, in the end, the committee recommended the same five the district is closing — Canoas, Empire Gardens, Gardner, Lowell and Terrell elementary schools. In addition, Hammer Montessori at Galarza Elementary will be relocated to Gardner.