The Uintah School Board voted 4-1 on Sept. 21 to begin a state-mandated study to evaluate the potential closure of Uintah Middle School (UMS) at the conclusion of the 2026-2027 school year, according to a district statement.
The board's decision initiates a 90-day study and public comment period required by Utah law.
The feasibility study will examine reorganizing Vernal Middle School for grades 7-8 and returning 6th graders to elementary schools. This reorganization could affect attendance boundaries for all district elementary schools and Vernal Middle School. The study also includes investigating boundary changes for Ashley, Davis, Discovery, Maeser, and Naples elementary schools to equalize enrollments.
Additionally, the district is evaluating the expansion of Dual Language Immersion to Maeser Elementary and the reinvestment of approximately $1.9 million in annual operational savings to address declining enrollments and reduce elementary class sizes.
Declining enrollment driven by national trends, such as lower birthrates, is expected to continue. UMS also faces structural challenges, as the 1955 building is on a state list of unreinforced masonry schools susceptible to earthquake damage. Officials noted that retrofitting is cost prohibitive and the heating, air conditioning, and boiler systems require expensive replacements that would not substantially extend the building's life.
Public comment on the study will be accepted during school board meetings on Oct. 7, Nov. 11, and Dec. 9. A public hearing is scheduled for Nov. 18 at 6 p.m. at UMS, with online attendance available via Zoom.
The board is expected to make a final decision regarding the future of UMS on Dec. 22, 2026, in an open meeting based on the study findings and public input.
