Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind will move Tucson campus to closing elementary school

The Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind (ASDB) has announced it will move its Tucson campus to a nearby soon-to-be-closed elementary school.

Earlier this month, Amphitheater Public Schools decided to close four of its elementary schools due to funding issues and declines in enrollment. One of those was Copper Creek Elementary School in Oro Valley.

Speaking through an interpreter in a recent video message to the community, ASDB Superintendent Annette Reichman announced a 5-year agreement to lease Copper Creek.

“ASDB is facing declining revenues, due to both fewer students and less federal and state funds,” Reichman said. “In addition, both the Tucson campus and the Phoenix campus have deteriorating buildings and infrastructure.”

Reichman said they will relocate over the summer and begin the fall semester on the new campus.

“Much time has been devoted to thoughtful and due deliberation over different options," Reichman said. “Through all of this, I was ever mindful of ASDB’s proud history, culture, and community. But I can no longer wait. I am forced to make difficult, but very necessary, decisions in order to maintain our services and continue to educate our students.”

Reichman will host a series of presentations with more information for students, families and staff.