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BRIGHTON, Colo. — Brighton's growth since 2000 has been exponential and now some 27J Schools expect to be over capacity for student enrollment.
It's forcing some people, like resident Roberta Voss, who have called Brighton home for generations to think about leaving town.
"In fact, my husband’s grandparents lived in this house and they lived here from the late 50s, early 60s. I always thought this would stay a small farming town, which is what it was originally," Voss said.
The peace and quiet Voss searched for years ago vanished as the population started growing. Too many homes, too much growth and not enough schools, she said.
More schools is exactly what the 27J Schools needs and is searching for.
The district, which serves about 86,000 people, said when searching for a location to build, for example, an elementary school, they need a minimum of 12 acres. The district said they require 25 acres to build a middle school and 60 acres for a high school.
Those new schools would will see a nearly 40% increase in student enrollment by 2028.
Voss said the growth is more than the city and district can handle. So, after calling Brighton home for so many years, she is looking to move away.
"We’re looking way out east, away from the people. So many people," she said.
Schools expected to be over capacity by 2021-2022 include Brighton High School, Overland Trail Middle School, Quist Middle School, Stuart Middle School, Reunion Elementary, Second Creek Elementary, Brantner Elementary, and West Ridge Elementary.
Data shows the cities of Brighton, Commerce City, and Thornton have nearly doubled in population since 2000, which is contributing to the increasing student population.