The list of schools in Jefferson County that could potentially be closed has dwindled from several to just one. The school board has decided to shutter Russell Elementary School and combine it with Arvada Middle School as part of efforts to address a multi-million-dollar budget shortfall, according to 9News. A citizen's committee initially submitted a list of recommendations that included up to eight schools to be closed. That list was eventually pared down to four. An outpouring of public opposition, such as a message from Congressman Ed Perlmutter, who pleaded that Wheat Ridge Middle School, which he attended, be saved, led the board to look for other solutions, reports The Denver Post. Board member Laura Boggs asks advocates to use their positive energy in coming months to help get the budget under control or the board could be forced to take up the matter of school closures again.