FACTS:
- Based on the district’s records, elementary enrollment has increased over the last several years.
- Based on the district’s records, there are currently 13 elementary sections operating above the district’s class size guidelines. This has created “empty classrooms” across the district.
- At the school board meeting on March 20th, the administration said it would need to add 10-14 elementary sections next year to keep class size below district guidelines.
- Based on the administration’s March 20th presentation, there are only 14 spare classrooms if the district expands McKnight and closes Peebles.
- Based on information obtained from local developers and realtors, new housing developments across the district are projected to add 850+ homes to the area.
ISSUE:
If the administration needs to add 10-14 sections to keep elementary class sizes below the district’s guidelines, and only 14 spare classrooms are available after the district expands McKnight and closes Peebles, the remaining buildings would be left with no spare classrooms if class size is held within the district’s guidelines.
CONCLUSION:
The administration should withdraw its recommendation to close Peebles Elementary based on the following facts:
- Elementary enrollment has increased over the last several years.
- The district does not have enough classrooms to keep elementary class sizes below the district’s guidelines if a building is closed.
- New housing developments are projected to add 850+ homes to the district.
If the board votes to close a building, the district will be wed to higher class sizes both now and in the future.
