Board receives final boundary/facility report
Nov. 11, 2008
Board receives final boundary/facility report
The final Boundary and Facility Usage Review Report was presented to the school board Tuesday night along with recommendations for approval. While the report contains numerous recommendations, at this time administration proposes implementing only those with little or no additional cost beginning next fiscal year.
Since this review began four months ago, economic conditions have drastically changed. In light of the economic uncertainty and the financial implications it may have on the district's budget, some recommendations may be considered during development of next year’s fiscal budget or as financial resources allow.
Superintendent Norm Ridder said the report is tied to the district’s long-range strategic plan and will serve for years to come during ongoing discussions on boundaries and facility usage.
The board may vote to accept the final report at next week’s meeting. The following are the alternates proposed for immediate implementation:
Alternate A-1: Allows Study Middle School to continue working with the Office of Community Relations and Strategic Planning to finalize the proposal for a "SPS Choice" program at Study.
Alternate D: Allows Robberson Elementary School to work with the Office of Community Relations and Strategic Planning to develop a proposal for a "SPS Choice" program at Robberson.
Alternate E.3: Continues with the current grade configuration and boundaries at Wilson’s Creek 5-6 Intermediate School with continued monitoring of enrollment changes for the 2009-2010 school year.
Alternate E.4: Approves revised boundaries for the new southwest elementary school and adjusted boundaries for McBride and Gray elementary schools for the 2009-2010 school year.
View the Boundary and Facility Usage Review Final Report.
Also Tuesday night:
* Board members agreed that more public input is needed before the district decides whether to put a new bond initiative on the ballot in 2009 or 2010.
Marc Maness, director of community relations and strategic planning, said focus group discussions in August and September showed strong public support for another bond initiative to fund air conditioning in schools and pay for other building renovations. But, because of the troubled economy, respondents urged the district to use caution in deciding when to hold the election.
The district could request a no-tax-increase bond that would raise $30 million if passed in 2009 or $35 million if passed in 2010. In addition, the district could continue to air condition some school buildings by using $14 million to $16 million collected from the current bond initiative initial issue premium, savings and investment earnings.
Scott Wendt, capital construction director, asked the board to approve engineering contracts for air conditioning at Bowerman, Campbell and Shady Dell schools. The contracts could be approved at next week’s meeting. Total cost of the projects is estimated at $4 million.
* Sunshine Elementary School Principal Rene’ Saner discussed the strengths and successes of her school’s “CAMP (Communication Arts Media Program) Sunshine” implemented in 2006. Under the program, students are taught Spanish twice a week and they develop media and communication skills. Saner said the program has helped improve communication arts MAP scores, and she noted that overall enrollment continues to increase at the school.
* Denise Fredrick, director of quality improvement and accountability, gave a progress report on implementation of the new online student assessment program.
* A representative from Kelly Educational Services told the board the district is doing a better job of filling teacher absences with qualified replacements since Kelly took over the responsibility this year. Surveys indicate district employees are more impressed with the level of professionalism and quality of substitutes under Kelly Services.
* The board was asked to approve A+ Partnership plans for all five district high schools – including Hillcrest and Kickapoo for the first time. The A+ Schools program is designed to raise academic achievement, provide student opportunities for higher education and introduce students to community service.
* The board was asked to approve social studies (grades 6-12) and technology education major instructional goals.
* The board was asked to adopt a calendar for developing the 2009-2010 budget.