THINKING OUT OF THE ROW

HOW GRADE RE-CONFIGURATION CAN SERVE

EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES IN VERNON TOWNSHIP

REASONS FOR GRADE RE-CONFIGURATION CONSIDERATION1. VISION PLAN RECOMMENDATION;2. COMMUNITY RESPONSE OF DISAGREEMENT TO RE-PURPOSING A SCHOOL;3. WALNUT RIDGE CLASSROOM AVAILABILITY;4. GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION OF DISTRICT OFFICE AS A NEGATIVE;5. TREND TOWARD HAVING FULL CLASSES TOGETHER AS A PRIORITY OVER

TRANSITIONS;6. ABILITY TO HOUSE GRADES IN SYNCHRONICITY WITH EDUCATIONAL

INITIATIVES (HOUSE MODEL, CLASSROOM ENGAGEMENT MODEL, FINANCIAL CONCERNS);

7. ABILITY TO LIQUIDATE A BUILDING ASSET IF BOE CHOOSES TO DO SO (RT.94 BUILDING OR CURRENT BOE OFFICE)

A QUICK QUESTION AND ANSWER EXERCISE

1. IS THERE A RECOMMENDATION ABOUT GRADE EIGHT GOING TO THE HIGH SCHOOL AS A FULL CLASS?

Grade eight is NOT going to the high school as a full class. It is possible that some students who are taking high school credits in grade eight can be brought to the high school and then be transported back to Glen Meadow immediately upon the completion of the class(es).

2. WILL ANY OF THE SIX BUILDINGS NOT HAVE STUDENTS? All six buildings will have students housed on the premises. 3. WILL THE DISTRICT OFFICE BE RE-LOCATED? Yes, plans would be to have the district office moved to one of the school

buildings but to still maintain classes for some students in that building.

4. WHAT WOULD A RECOMMENDATION FOR GRADE RECONFIGURATION LOOK LIKE?

WALNUT RIDGE CURRENTLY HOUSING PRE-K, K AND GRADE ONE HAS NO MORE CLASSROOM SPACE SHOULD ENROLLMENT CONTINUE TO SHOW SOME GROWTH AT THOSE CLASS LEVELS. KINDERGARTEN AND GRADE ONE WOULD MOVE TO CEDAR MOUNTAIN.

WALNUT RIDGE WOULD HOUSE THE FULL PRE-SCHOOL PROGRAM FOR REGULAR EDUCATION AND SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS. DISTRICT OFFICES WOULD BE MOVED TO WR SO AS TO ENSURE CLOSER PROXIMITY OF ADMINISTRATORS TO DISTRICT SCHOOLS. THE BOE WOULD NOW HAVE TWO OFFICE BUILDINGS IN TOWN, ONE OF WHICH COULD BE SOLD AND PUT TOWARD COMMERCIAL VALUES.

ROLLING HILLS WOULD HOUSE GRADES TWO AND THREE. LOUNSBERRY HOLLOW WOULD HOUSE GRADES FOUR AND FIVE. GLEN MEADOW WOULD HOUSE GRADES SIX, SEVEN AND EIGHT.

CONTINUED

VTHS WOULD REMAIN A GRADE NINE THROUGH TWELVE BUILDING WITH THE POSSIBLE EXCEPTION OF SOME EIGHTH GRADERS WHO WANT TO EARN HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT IN GRADE EIGHT ATTENDING ONLY FOR SPECIFIC CLASSES.

5. WHAT WOULD ENROLLMENT LOOK LIKE AT EACH BUILDING? (ESTIMATES)SCHOOL 2016-17 ENROLLMENT

2017-18 ENROLLMENT

WALNUT RIDGE 503 82CEDAR MTN. 319 420ROLLING HILLS 331 401LOUNSBERRY HOLLOW

470 478

GLEN MEADOW 518 759VTHS 1001 985

QUESTIONS CONTINUED

6. CAN GLEN MEADOW HOLD GRADE SIX, SEVEN AND EIGHT STUDENTS IN AN EDUCATIONALLY APPROPRIATE ENVIRONMENT?

Glen Meadow would see the largest changeover in enrollment from 518 to 759. It has held more students in past years but not with the same configuration of classroom set-up that currently exists. Principal Anderson assures me that the three grades can successfully be educated. A review of the floor plans of the building certify her opinion. 7. WILL ANY STAFF MEMBER LOSE A JOB DUE TO THE RE-CONFIGURATION OF GRADES?No. Retention of jobs is based on performance, enrollment and retirements. Re-configuration has no bearing on this.

TIMELINE

It is recommended that this be decided upon by the BOE by February, 2017. This is seen as a BOE decision based on educational recommendations and reasons. The recommendation/decision greatly respects past input on closing/re-purposing a school

A February decision allows us planning time. A February decision also allows for budget adjustments for next year. It is

estimated that consolidation and replacement of affected workers in retirement positions will save between 286k to 321k in next year’s budget.

Failure to act will not address the Walnut Ridge need for additional classrooms if Pre K, K and Grade One remain there.

A single issue meeting on the subject is scheduled for February 7th at 7pm at LH.

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