 Back in October, the District convened a task force to study how we configure or structure our elementary program. Key questions were posed. What average class size should we target in our classrooms? How many schools do we need? Should we use multi-age classrooms? What grades should attend what schools? Are there more efficient ways to structure and deliver instruction than our current mechanisms? In the next
fewyears, a unique set of circumstances and conditions are creating fiscal pressures that may be so strong that they force us to reconsider everything we do- even those practices and programs that have been in place for many years.
2011-12 marks the first year that all four elementary schools began school with fewer than 400 students. Currently, we have less than 1500 students enrolled in grades Kindergarten through five. This stands in contrast with the 2001-02 school year in which we had close to 1800 students enrolled in those grades. Complicating the matter is a potentially very serious budget gap- one that could approach $3 million next year and the implementation of a “tax levy cap.” This law requires a 60% affirmative vote in our budget referendum to allow tax levy increases to exceed the local limit which will for Sweet Home likely hover just above 2%. In such a context, the District must reconsider its programs and how it does business in every aspect of the organization- including how we structure our
elementary program.
During its last summer retreat, the Board of Education conducted discussions around these issues. Armed with data regarding the anticipated budget issues and declining enrollment, the Board examined a number of options regarding the structure and configuration of our elementary program. These options included increased class sizes and different structures to create more efficient staffing which included the specter of closing one of our elementary buildings. Fully aware of the difficult decisions and potential impact on kids and the community, the Board asked the administration to seek input from the community to assist in its decisionmaking process.
Over 40 residents and staff members participated in the three sessions of the District’s Elementary Configuration Task Force during October and early November. The task force was charged with making recommendations- not decisions- to the Board of Education in the event that the budgetary situation demanded strong action.
During its first meeting Mike Baumann, our Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and Planning, and I set the context for the discussion. We outlined the large budget gap and fiscal constraints heading into the future as well as outlining the enrollment declines we’ve experienced in Sweet Home.
At our second meeting, we began to outline several options that could be utilized to help address our emerging fiscal concerns. These options included:
• Maintaining four buildings but raising class sizes and utilizing multi-age classrooms to make staffing more efficient.
• Closing one elementary building to create more efficient staffing and to save on building-specific services.
• Maintain three K-3 buildings and having all grade 4/5 students attend a central intermediate program.
• Close a building, maintain three K-4 buildings and have fifth grade move into the middle school.
During our last meeting, the participants were able to use a group decision making process to arrive at a set of recommendations. The group recommended two options for the Board to consider if the situation demanded strong action- maintaining four buildings with new class size targets and closing an elementary building. In reflection on the process, the members of task force were keenly attuned to the community allegiance to their neighborhood schools and the emotional impact created by discussions about closing a building.
Will the District close a school building in 2011-12? It is under consideration. Is the decision already made? Absolutely not. The Board of Education will continue to study the options and await critical information regarding state aid and required expenses. Any formal recommendations or decisions on school configuration will be part of this spring’s budget process. There will be a number of opportunities for the public to participate and offer feedback into the process. We invite you to join the conversation.
Anthony J. Day became Superintendent of Schools on July 1, 2010 succeeding Mr. Geoffrey M. Hicks who left the district to become Superintendent of Schools of Arlington Central School District in Poughkeepsie, NY. Prior to becoming Superintendent, Mr. Day served as Sweet Home' Assistant Superintendent of Instruction for eight years. Mr. Day can be reached at 250-1402 or aday@shs.k12.ny.us.
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