September 8, 2004 Meeting Recap (Posted September 14)
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At the Sept. 8 Community Forum, residents continued the work begun last year to find solutions to overcrowding. As an interim measure, the district is using portables to gain needed classroom space at four out of its five schools. Discussion centered on the four alternatives that emerged from last year’s work:
- A new K-5 school (an addition at Hadley Junior High would be needed with this option).
- A new K-6 school (additions at the four elementary schools would be needed with this option).
- A new 5-6 grade center (no other additions would be needed with this option).
- Continue using portables without building more space.
In addition, there was some discussion about building a Pre-K center. A Pre-K center would not solve space needs but would address an education need within the district and affect facility use.
Key points:
- All four options are still under study by FGM Architects and the Facilities Task Force, a group of stakeholders from throughout the district. The Task Force will soon have the data from a new, comprehensive enrollment projection study now underway.
- More information and a progress report will be given at the Oct. 12 Community Forum; a facilities recommendation will go to the board at its Nov. 15 meeting with a vote at the Dec. 13 meeting.
- If the board adopts a solution that exceeds the district’s financial resources, voters will be asked for funds via referendum.
Working in small groups, participants analyzed the pros and cons of each. There were many questions and concerns, but overall, the option of a 5-6 center was viewed the most favorably. Details of the small-group discussion are being collected and will be posted prior to the Oct. 12 Community Forum, but the following were among the themes that emerged:
5-6 center themes:
A 5-6 center would affect all students equally, provide an opportunity to create developmentally appropriate programming and give all kids a chance to attend a new school.
A 5-6 center would not require additions at the existing buildings and would not require redrawing school attendance areas.
A 5-6 center could be too disruptive for students, certain programs and families, could split families.
Concerns about the size and location of Spalding site.
Transportation costs.
K-5 Themes:
K-5 is a familiar model for D41, supports idea of neighborhood schools.
K-5 would require redrawing school attendance areas.
Possible inequities...four older elementaries, one brand new
Hadley would need an addition.
K-6 Themes:
K-6 would require redrawing school attendance areas.
Frees up space at Hadley.
K-6 would span a very large age range.
Other elementaries would need an addition. Additions at existing buildings would burden the already strapped core areas like gyms, libraries and parking and cause more traffic problems.
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