Why the District Is Considering School Configuration Changes

Due to many years of declining enrollment and reduced funding, the district is again reviewing how best to organize our schools to ensure long-term financial stability while continuing to provide strong educational programs for students. While enrollment seems to have stabilized currently, and the district has made significant cuts to maintain its traditional K-8 structure for the 25-26 school year, the district remains at high risk of overexpending the budget. More work is needed for longer-term stability.

Two possible school configurations are being considered. These ideas are jumping-off points for further discussion. We will be gathering input, and the Board will be meeting for a work session to dive more extensively into these ideas along with a consultant who will help us brainstorm additional ideas. The work session is being scheduled for February 2nd at 5:30 pm and is open to the public to listen to the discussion. There will not be a Call to the Public at this session.

Both options below would allow junior high athletics to be located on one campus and would reduce overall staffing costs.

Both options are intended to balance fiscal responsibility with the district's commitment to students. No decisions have been made, and community input will be an important part of the process. If you have not already, please respond to our Community Survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfk0bSa_BGYJqiC5ndVPbZ_w7WxQYLGaEwhE0o9iPgQqD9jGg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=116994980029105031459

Thank you,

Sherri Rosalik, Superintendent

Option 1

Option 1

  • One school would serve students in Pre-K through 6th grade.
  • One school would serve students in Kindergarten through 8th grade.
  • This option closely resembles our current school structure and allows flexibility if enrollment increases in the future.
  • Estimated savings: approximately $75,000.

Advantages

  • Preserves a structure that closely mirrors the district's current K-8 model.
  • Provides greater flexibility for future enrollment growth.
  • Limits disruption to instructional programming and grade-level continuity.
  • Consolidates junior high sports on one campus, improving efficiency and supervision.

Considerations

  • Produces a smaller overall cost savings compared to Option 2.
  • Requires continued staffing across a wider grade span at both campuses.
Option 2

Option 2

  • One school would serve students in Pre-K through 2nd grade.
  • One school would serve students in grades 3 through 8.
  • This option provides significant immediate cost savings but limits future growth capacity.
  • Estimated savings: approximately $200,000.

Advantages

  • Generates substantial staffing and salary savings.
  • Allows for consolidation of upper-grade instructional staff and athletic programming.
  • Creates clearer grade-level specialization at each campus.

Considerations

  • Significantly limits capacity for future enrollment growth, particularly at the grades 3-8 campus.
  • Reduces flexibility to return to a traditional K-8 model if enrollment increases.
  • Represents a greater structural shift for students, families, and staff.