To the editor:

In the discussion about school closings, let’s not assume that the schools in Lawrence’s old neighborhoods have declining student populations while other schools are growing.

In fact, according to the district’s own data, the total enrollment in the four schools that surround downtown — Cordley, New York, Pinckney and Woodlawn — is up by 105 students from last year, a 12 percent increase. And enrollment in all of these schools is higher in the early grades than the later ones, indicating further growth into the future. By comparison, the total enrollment in Lawrence’s 11 other elementary schools is down by 6 students from last year.

Not only are the old neighborhoods vital and growing, but families, like mine, are investing in them by renovating their homes. With the birth of our second child, my husband and I knew we would soon outgrow our house. We had two choices: build an addition or move. We, like many of our neighbors, chose to stay.

This is no time to close neighborhood schools.