School

Realignment

Enhancing student opportunities through facility realignment

Our district is committed to ensuring that every student has access to modern, well-equipped learning environments that foster academic success and personal growth. By realigning our facilities, we are concentrating resources, improving school environments, and enhancing educational opportunities for all students.

SCHOOL CAPACITY

School Capacity

Assesses student enrollment and staffing levels in relation to the building’s design capacity to determine if space is being utilized efficiently.

PERFORMANCE SCORE

PERFORMANCE SCORE

Reviews the academic performance of the school based on state accountability measures to ensure students have access to high-quality educational environments.

FACILITY CONDITION

FACILITY CONDITION

Evaluates the physical state of the facility, including structural integrity, maintenance needs, safety compliance, and overall suitability for continued use.

ANNUAL COST

ANNUAL COST

Analyzes the total expenses required to maintain and operate the facility, including utilities, maintenance, staffing, and other financial factors, to assess long-term sustainability.

Facility

Assessment

The Board approved a set of factors that will be considered in the tiering process: Capacity, Facility Condition, Performance, Annual Cost.

Benefits

#1

Cost Savings

Consolidating schools can lead to reduced operational costs through shared resources, such as administrative staff, facilities, and educational materials.

#2

Improved Educational Opportunities

Larger consolidated schools may offer a broader range of academic and extracurricular programs, including advanced placement courses, specialized programs and more extracurricular activities that smaller schools might not be able to sustain. 

#3

Enhanced Resource Allocation

With a larger student population, consolidated schools can have better access to funding and resources. This can lead to improved facilities, technology and educational tools. 

#4

Increased Staffing Flexibility

Consolidated schools may attract more qualified teachers and staff due to the larger school environment and potential for collaboration. This can enhance the overall quality of education.

#5

Stronger community Engagement

A single, larger school can foster a more cohesive school community, allowing for improved parental involvement and stronger relationships between families and educators. 

#6

Diversified Social interactions

Consolidation can provide students with a more diverse social environment, exposing them to a wider range of backgrounds, cultures and perspectives.

#7

Streamlined Administration

Merging schools can lead to reduced duplication of administrative efforts, making it easier to implement policies and programs across the district. 

#8

Improved Academic Performance

While dependent on a variety of factors, research has shown that larger schools can have higher graduation rates and better academic outcomes.

#9

Better Facilities

Consolidated schools often have the ability to create more modern facilities that can accommodate a larger number of students and provide better learning environments. 

TIMELINE

Below is a preview of our plan development and implementation timeline as well as a list of public events that will take place throughout the process.

We welcome and value your participation!

MARCH 2025

Community Engagement Meetings

MARCH 2025

REVIEW COMMUNITY MEETING INPUT

APRIL 2025

ESTABLISH PLAN WITH BUDGET RECOMMENDATIONS

MAY 2025

IMPLEMENTATION OF EBR SCHOOL REALIGNMENT PLAN

Previous Events

Meeting Information

COMMUNITY INPUT

The community survey has now closed.

 

We greatly appreciate everyone who took time to provide feedback on this process! 

Summary of Responses

The recent survey responses offer valuable insights into the community’s perspectives on school realignment. While respondents express a range of concerns, their feedback also highlights areas where thoughtful planning, transparent communication, and community engagement can lead to more effective outcomes. Below is a summary of responses and the key themes that emerged:
 
School Consolidations and Closures
Respondents emphasize the importance of a transparent, data-based and equitable decision-making process for school realignment and closures. They advocate for more time and planning to ensure that any changes are carefully considered and implemented in a way that supports all stakeholders.
 
Impact on Students
There is strong concern for student well-being during transitions, particularly regarding potential increases in class sizes, longer commutes, and the loss of familiar, neighborhood-based schools. Respondents are keen to ensure that students receive thoughtful, personalized attention and support in larger school environments.
 
Safety and Community Cohesion
Ensuring the safety of students and staff is a central priority, particularly in the context of combining student populations from different neighborhoods. Additionally, respondents express a desire to preserve the strong community connections and supportive environments that schools often represent. Security considerations were suggested for those who will be walking to and from school.
 
Staffing and Workforce Considerations
Many respondents express the hope that the staffing process will be fair and transparent, with efforts made to retain talented teachers and staff. Protecting job security and recognizing the contributions of dedicated educators are seen as crucial to a successful transition.
 
Equity and Resource Allocation
Respondents highlight the importance of equitable resource distribution, especially for historically under-resourced communities. There is a desire to ensure that consolidations lead to improved learning environments, without contributing to overcrowding or disparities between schools.
 
School Quality and Leadership Accountability
The survey responses reflect a call to look beyond enrollment numbers and examine deeper systemic issues such as leadership, accountability, and overall school quality. Some respondents expressed concern that consolidation alone may not address these root challenges.
 
Implementation and Community Trust
Building and maintaining trust with the community is viewed as essential. Respondents emphasize the need for open, honest communication and genuine community involvement in planning and implementation, underscoring the importance of follow-through and collaborative engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is the district considering school realignment?

The district currently has around 20,000 more seats than students, leading to under-enrolled schools, inefficient resource allocation, and inequitable access to academic opportunities. Realignment ensures that all students have access to high-quality learning environments.

2. What factors are being considered in school realignment decisions?

The district is evaluating schools based on four key factors: building condition, enrollment and capacity, school performance, and operational costs. These criteria help determine how best to allocate resources and improve educational outcomes.

3. Will families and the community have a say in this process?

Yes! The district is committed to gathering feedback through community meetings, surveys, and stakeholder discussions before making any realignment decisions. We encourage all families, staff, and community members to participate.

4. What will happen to students in their school if closed or consolidated?

If a school is closed or merged, students will be reassigned to schools with stronger academic programs, better facilities, and increased resources. The district will work closely with families and staff to ensure a smooth transition.

5. How will school realignment benefit students?

By optimizing school resources, realignment will allow the district to provide more academic programs, extracurricular activities, upgraded facilities, and enhanced student support services, ensuring that every child receives a high-quality education.