San Jose school district must shut elementary schools because of budget problems

SAN JOSE, Calif. (Alex Savidge/KTVU) - A lot of parents in the South Bay are worried about several elementary schools that could be shutting down soon because of a $12-million budget deficit because of declining enrollment.

The Oak Grove  School District in south San Jose will be closing several elementary schools and moving those students to other campuses.

The goal is to save money as the district deals with a serious budget deficit. 

District leaders have identified eight elementary schools that may be shut down. Those include Miner, Anderson, Baldwin, Del Roble, Frost, Glider, Oak Ridge and Santa Teresa. This process has left many families feeling anxious -- wondering where their children will wind up.  

Longtime cafeteria worker Debbie Metzger told KTVU on Thursday that this is a "really sad thing for us, we feel picked on. I just can't believe this is going on."  Her twin daughters attended the school and her husband was part of the first class at Miner.

Ultimately, the district says it will close up to three elementary schools. Parents can weigh in at a public meeting on Monday.