By Bailey Coyle, Fox23 News
JENKS, Okla. — After more than a decade of serving students and the community, the Jenks Planetarium will close at the end of the school year, a decision district leaders say comes down to long-term financial sustainability.
Jenks Public Schools announced the closure, citing the high cost of maintaining and upgrading the facility’s technology.
“I think it’s really important for people to understand that this decision was not made quickly, and it’s certainly a decision that was not taken lightly,” said Rob Loeber, executive director of communications for the district. “This was the result of ongoing conversations over the course of years.”
“When you’re looking at those ongoing costs, that’s where it becomes a little bit cost prohibitive at this point to keep it open,” he said.
The planetarium has been a unique feature in the district for 15 years, used not only for astronomy classes but also for subjects like math, science, physics and even art. It also hosted public shows, giving families a chance to explore space and science together.
“We certainly understand the disappointment from people in our community,” Loeber said. “This has been such a unique thing for Jenks, something of a novelty in the K-12 education space.”
District leaders say advances in technology have also changed how students learn, offering more cost-effective ways to deliver similar educational experiences.
“To continue to update the planetarium when there are other avenues available, that are a little bit more cost effective, that’s part of what went into the decision,” Loeber said.
While some community members have questioned whether funding options like bonds could have saved the facility, Loeber says that wouldn’t solve the long-term issue.
“Even if we did that initial investment with a bond, then we may have to go out and ask for more several years down the road,” he said. “We just don’t feel like that’s the most financially responsible decision.”
Community Reaction: “It Kind of Sucks”
For some in Jenks, the news came as a surprise, and a disappointment.
“It was one of the best field trips he had,” Poorthunder said. “He was just ecstatic, talking about all the constellations and the stars.”
Poorthunder says he didn’t realize the planetarium was open to the public, something he believes may have impacted community support.
He also worries about what future students may miss out on.
“It just kind of was a shock,” he said. “Future kids… they’re not going to be able to experience it.”
What Happens Next?
District leaders say no final decision has been made about how the space will be used moving forward, but one option being discussed is converting it into a space for the school’s eSports program.
However, Loeber emphasized the closure is not tied to that potential change.
“The planetarium is not closing because of esports,” he said. “We’re not closing one to give to another.”
Instead, the district says resources previously used for the planetarium will be redistributed across schools, including investments in STEM programs, labs and partnerships like those with Tulsa Tech.
“What sets Jenks apart is not necessarily one of our buildings,” Loeber said. “It’s the courses we offer, the opportunities we create and the incredible teachers we have.”
A Lasting Legacy
The district also expressed gratitude to longtime planetarium director Dan Zielinski, who will remain with the district as a science teacher.
While the planetarium’s future is uncertain, its impact on students and the community is clear.
“It’s just a cool thing to have,” Poorthunder said. “One of the first things you tell people, we have a planetarium.”
The Jenks Planetarium will remain open for scheduled shows through the end of the school year.
