Letter from Mayor Axmacher Regarding Timnath Elementary School
October 1, 2026
Dear Timnath Community,
Like many of you, I was saddened to learn of the recommendation from Poudre School District to close Timnath Elementary School starting with the 2027-2028 school year.
For generations, Timnath Elementary has been an essential part of our community. It is where many Timnath children begin their educational journey, where friendships are formed, where families come together, and where lifelong memories are made. The school represents far more than a place of education. It represents a connection to one another, to tradition, and to the people who make Timnath such a wonderful place to call home. In many ways, our town has grown around the school. It is a central part of who we are.
Our town is incredibly proud of the remarkable students, dedicated educators, and engaged families who make Timnath Elementary great. The school has earned a reputation as one of the district’s highest-performing elementary schools, a reflection of the hard work and commitment to learning, service, and excellence.
Together the people of Timnath and our three PSD schools have built a true community that comes together to support students and families. Just a couple of weeks ago, the inaugural Timnath Main Street Kick-Off Cook-Off filled Main Street with Timnath students, families, coaches, educators, and community organizations as we celebrated homecoming.
Similarly, PSD has been a valued partner with the Town for many years. We have worked together to build schools, support students, families, and staff, and our community is stronger because of that relationship. From local events and partnerships to supporting student success and safety, we have accomplished a great deal together.
We recognize the enrollment challenges facing the district and understand that the Timnath Elementary building itself requires significant updates. That said, the Town Council is very concerned about the detrimental impacts the closure proposal would have on students and families. Our concerns include, but are not limited to, the transportation impact of this proposal and its effects on student well-being. Additional travel time and distance for young students raise questions about safety, daily routines, and the amount of time children spend away from home and their home community.
I was relieved when PSD leadership confirmed that under the current recommendation, Timnath Elementary students displaced to Bamford or Linton Elementary would later continue their education at Timnath Middle-High School. That said, it would be a significant loss for children to be unable to begin their educational journey within their neighborhood community.
As we look ahead, it is essential to consider Timnath’s future and the needs of our children in the years to come. We continue to welcome new families, new neighborhoods, and new investment. Timnath today looks very different than it did a decade ago, and it will continue to grow and evolve. As these conversations continue, we hope the PSD Board of Education will give full consideration not only to present-day conditions, but also to the educational needs of future generations and our growing community.
Currently, the PSD proposal to close Timnath Elementary is only a recommendation. The PSD Board has not yet made a final decision. The coming weeks provide an opportunity to share our perspectives with the Board. I strongly encourage all of us to actively engage with the PSD community input process.
To that end, the Timnath Town Council will take up a formal resolution in support of Timnath Elementary at our next meeting on October 13, 2026.
Regardless of what happens in the month ahead, I want the students, families, teachers, and staff of Timnath Elementary to know this: you are valued, you are appreciated, and you are an important part of what makes Timnath such a special place.
Thank you for staying informed, supporting one another, and participating in the conversation we navigate this together.
Sincerely,
Mayor Robert Axmacher
Town of Timnath
Upcoming Opportunities for Public Input
The recommendation is currently under consideration by the Poudre School District Board of Education and has not been approved. Community members can share their feedback through the online survey, by email at [email protected], and through upcoming listening sessions and Board of Education meetings.
Timnath Elementary Family Meeting
October 2, 5-6:30 p.m.
Timnath Elementary School
3909 Main Street, Timnath
Community Listening Sessions
October 6, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Livermore Elementary School
360 W. County Road 74E, Livermore
October 12, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Timnath Middle-High School Auditorium
4700 E. Prospect Road, Timnath
October 14, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Rocky Mountain High School Media Center
1300 W. Swallow Road, Fort Collins
October 15, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Poudre High School Event Center
201 N. Impala Drive, Fort Collins
October 19, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Fort Collins High School Theater
3400 Lambkin Way, Fort Collins
Upcoming Board of Education Meetings
October 13
Board of Education receives the formal presentation of the recommendation.
October 27
Board of Education votes on the recommendation.