Skip to main content

NCSD Information: Potential School Closures

October 24, 2025

At the October 17th, 2025 Board Infrastructure Planning Committee meeting, staff provided a report regarding the consideration of closing Woods Learning Center and Bar Nunn Elementary starting next academic year (2026-2027). During the meeting, recommendations to close Woods Learning Center and Bar Nunn Elementary were moved forward to the full board of trustees. 

These recommendations will be voted on during the November 10th, 2025, Board of Trustees meeting. Public comment is also open during the October 27th, 2025, Board of Trustees meeting. Meetings begin at 6 PM and are held at Central Services Facility, located at 970 N. Glenn Road. 

The report was developed with thorough consideration and analysis, while responsibly acknowledging the fiscal impact of current and long-term declining enrollment, decreasing revenue, excess elementary capacity, the Space/Grade Configuration Study, and the demonstrated community interest in the school of choice open enrollment philosophy of Natrona County. 

NCSD has been engaged in proactive planning over several years to ensure the district remains fiscally responsible while continuing to provide high-quality educational opportunities for all students and staff. Options for school closure reflect the fewest number of students, staff, and school families being impacted. This difficult consideration reflects the complex realities of managing declining enrollment with fiscal responsibility, while maintaining a priority focus on student learning. 

Information Related to the Recommendation: 

  • The number of births in Natrona County has continued to decrease over the past 10 years.  In 2024, there was a slight increase.
  • The average age of people moving to Casper is currently 60+.
  • Enrollment has decreased at a more rapid rate than State projections.  
  • At this time, there are over 1,400 open seats in the district at the elementary level. This is based on an 18:1 student-to-teacher ratio in kindergarten through third grade and 26:1 in fourth and fifth grade. 
  • Bar Nunn Elementary is at 35% enrollment capacity, the lowest in the district, and continues to be overstaffed. This is not sustainable with district budget reductions. 
  • Woods Learning Center is the smallest school facility, causing low enrollment. Natrona County School District’s prototypical elementary school buildings' capacity is 320-440 students, and middle schools' capacity is approximately 750 students. Funding a school this size is not sustainable due to continued district budget reductions. 
  • There will be no layoffs as a result of potential school closures. Staffing reductions will occur through attrition and reassignment. Overstaffing may temporarily occur as a proactive measure to fill future vacancies. 
  • These recommendations will result in an ongoing savings of approximately $1.7 million. 

Additional information: