Grade Configuration and Grade Configuration and School Closure ScenariosSchool Closure Scenarios

Feb. 20Feb. 20thth, 2007, 2007

Jordan Tinney

How did we get here…How did we get here…

Declining Enrolment Task Force March, 2003 Declining Enrolment Task Force March, 2003 recommendations:recommendations:

Closing Black Creek School in Sept. 2003 or Sept. 2004;Closing Black Creek School in Sept. 2003 or Sept. 2004;Closing Union Bay School in Sept. 2003 or Sept. 2004;Closing Union Bay School in Sept. 2003 or Sept. 2004;Closing Tsolum Elementary in Sept. 2006; andClosing Tsolum Elementary in Sept. 2006; andReexamining the current grade structure and school boundaries in Reexamining the current grade structure and school boundaries in the district over the next five years in the best interests of students the district over the next five years in the best interests of students rather than to fill buildings.rather than to fill buildings.

Jan. 31, 2006 – recommendation from the Jan. 31, 2006 – recommendation from the superintendent to configure the district as 6-8 middle superintendent to configure the district as 6-8 middle school model.school model.Board decided to wait for new superintendent to pursue Board decided to wait for new superintendent to pursue options and have the board come to a final decision.options and have the board come to a final decision.

ProcessesProcessesAll notes taken and added to district web site;All notes taken and added to district web site;Any emails welcomed as further information (Any emails welcomed as further information (debbie.page@sd71.bc.cadebbie.page@sd71.bc.ca););Public Forums – Dec. 12, Jan 23;Public Forums – Dec. 12, Jan 23;Hornby Island – Jan. 15;Hornby Island – Jan. 15;Student working group – Jan 23Student working group – Jan 23

Aboriginal Education Council – Feb. 1Aboriginal Education Council – Feb. 1Teacher working group – Feb. 5;Teacher working group – Feb. 5;District Leadership Team – Feb. 7;District Leadership Team – Feb. 7;Management Team – Dec. 7, Jan 11, Feb. 8;Management Team – Dec. 7, Jan 11, Feb. 8;Town of Comox – Jan. 31Town of Comox – Jan. 31Committee of the whole discussion – Feb 13, March 13Committee of the whole discussion – Feb 13, March 13District Configuration Working Group – Feb. 8District Configuration Working Group – Feb. 8Public Forum – Sharing of Scenarios – Feb. 20Public Forum – Sharing of Scenarios – Feb. 20District Configuration Working Group - Feb 27.District Configuration Working Group - Feb 27.Superintendent’s Report expected release to Board – March 6.Superintendent’s Report expected release to Board – March 6.

Timeline for configuration decisionsTimeline for configuration decisions

November 2006 – January 2007November 2006 – January 2007 Paper on grade configuration – soliciting feedback and Paper on grade configuration – soliciting feedback and

advertising forums through local media:advertising forums through local media:Two public forums;Two public forums;One small working group – to collate discussions;One small working group – to collate discussions;Participation and feedback requested online as well;Participation and feedback requested online as well;

February 8February 8thth and 27 and 27thth , 2007 , 2007Working group collates results/comments and suggests Working group collates results/comments and suggests options for district grade configuration.options for district grade configuration.Superintendent writes report complete with recommendations.Superintendent writes report complete with recommendations.

March 27March 27thth , 2007 , 2007Committee of the Whole public discussion on Committee of the Whole public discussion on recommendations.recommendations.Board meeting – Board decision on grade configuration.Board meeting – Board decision on grade configuration.

Timeline for configuration decisionsTimeline for configuration decisions

April 24April 24thth, 2007, 2007 Initiation of Policy 3050 complete with identification of schools Initiation of Policy 3050 complete with identification of schools

proposed for closure.proposed for closure. Public information on the timelines of potential school closures.Public information on the timelines of potential school closures.

April-June, 2007April-June, 2007 Initiation of school closure and consolidation processes.Initiation of school closure and consolidation processes. Public consultation regarding school closures as per policy 3050.Public consultation regarding school closures as per policy 3050.

September – November, 2007September – November, 2007 Public consultation regarding school closures as per policy 3050.Public consultation regarding school closures as per policy 3050.

November 27, 2007November 27, 2007 Board decision regarding school closures for June, 2008 at the Board decision regarding school closures for June, 2008 at the

earliest.earliest.

Why are we doing this?Why are we doing this?District Total

7200

7400

7600

7800

8000

8200

8400

8600

2005 2006 2008 2009 2010

District Total

Why are we doing this again?Why are we doing this again?

If we don’t address the enrolment decline:If we don’t address the enrolment decline:2008 - 1974 empty seats = $5.7M*2008 - 1974 empty seats = $5.7M*2009 – 2187 empty seats = $6.4M2009 – 2187 empty seats = $6.4M2010 – 2340 empty seats = $6.8M2010 – 2340 empty seats = $6.8M2015 – 3000 empty seats = $8.8M2015 – 3000 empty seats = $8.8M2020 – 2949 empty seats = $8.6M2020 – 2949 empty seats = $8.6M

* this is about ½ of the money we would receive from * this is about ½ of the money we would receive from having 1974 students enrolled as about ½ would be having 1974 students enrolled as about ½ would be needed for staffing to accommodate the students. The needed for staffing to accommodate the students. The *5.7M is what would be available to support programs *5.7M is what would be available to support programs beyond staffing if our schools were at capacity.beyond staffing if our schools were at capacity.

And…this is not funAnd…this is not fun

If we could sustain what we do and retain If we could sustain what we do and retain the quality of our educational programs for the quality of our educational programs for children, then that’s exactly what we would children, then that’s exactly what we would be doing.be doing.

We are compelled to address the issues We are compelled to address the issues presented to us by declining enrolment in presented to us by declining enrolment in order to sustain the quality of what we order to sustain the quality of what we have.have.

Can’t we just raise money?Can’t we just raise money?

Properties currently held (roughly $3-4M):Properties currently held (roughly $3-4M):Lot B , Harmston Avenue Courtenay .94 acres

Lot A, Harmston Ave, Courtenay, 2.78 acres,

Lot 2, Mission Rd, Courtenay, 2 acres

8369 Island Highway, Black Creek, Halbe Hall, 1.5 acres,

7614 Island Highway, Fanny Bay, 1.02 acres,

Parcel H, 4830 Vanier Dr, Courtenay, 28 acres .

Mottishaw Road, Courtenay, 20 acres,

Crown Isle, Atlas Rd, Courtenay, 4.5 acres,.

Black Creek Elem, Black Creek, 4.0 acres,

Lot 3, Linshart Road, Comox, 5 acres,

Lot 1, Block E, Guthrie Rd, Comox, 3.9 acres,.

Comox Elem, Wallace Av, Comox, 0.43 acres,

Cumberland Elem, Egremont Rd, Cumberland, 2.71 acres

Union Bay Elem Union BayTsloum Elem Courtenay North

Disposal of assetsDisposal of assets

Example of use: Sold the property behind the Board Example of use: Sold the property behind the Board Office = $1.4 million;Office = $1.4 million;We got to keep it all which is not always the rule.We got to keep it all which is not always the rule.It went to:It went to:

Computers and computer labs – elementary schools ($500,000);Computers and computer labs – elementary schools ($500,000); Technology Education ($180,000);Technology Education ($180,000); Fine Arts ($100,000); andFine Arts ($100,000); and We are trying to extend these budget items to complete all our We are trying to extend these budget items to complete all our

upgrades. The balance is in local capital reserve and also can upgrades. The balance is in local capital reserve and also can be used to cover other cost items like BCeSIS.be used to cover other cost items like BCeSIS.

Local Capital ExpendituresLocal Capital Expenditures

Maintenance VehiclesMaintenance Vehicles

School ComputersSchool Computers

Technology Education Equipment (e.g lathes)Technology Education Equipment (e.g lathes)

Musical InstrumentsMusical Instruments

PhotocopiersPhotocopiers

Software systems (District –e.g. AS400, BCeSIS)Software systems (District –e.g. AS400, BCeSIS)

Special Education technologiesSpecial Education technologies

Special education assistive devices (e.g. lifts)Special education assistive devices (e.g. lifts)

Modifications to schoolsModifications to schools

ExpansionExpansion

The Ministry of Education will not fund any The Ministry of Education will not fund any expansion or new construction unless our expansion or new construction unless our district capacity is at 95%.district capacity is at 95%.

If you are at 95%, the Ministry fully funds If you are at 95%, the Ministry fully funds expansions or new construction if expansions or new construction if projections support the ongoing growth.projections support the ongoing growth.

The basic issues…The basic issues…

Too many seats, too few kids…Too many seats, too few kids…

Programs vs. facilities…Programs vs. facilities…

Current statusCurrent status

Media alerts, public announcements;Media alerts, public announcements;

Several public and working group Several public and working group meetings;meetings;

Collation of feedback from all meetings;Collation of feedback from all meetings;

Formation of Grade Configuration Working Formation of Grade Configuration Working Group;Group;

2 weeks to go…2 weeks to go…

Grade Configuration Working GroupGrade Configuration Working Group

Grade Configuration Working Group

District Staff

CUPE

Teachers

ParentsAboriginal

Representatives

AdministratorsCommunity Councilors

Community Members

Grade Configuration Working Grade Configuration Working GroupGroup

The task:The task: To review all materials to date from the meetings and To review all materials to date from the meetings and

to generate suggestions for the recommendations that to generate suggestions for the recommendations that will be contained in the Superintendent’s report to the will be contained in the Superintendent’s report to the Board;Board;

NOT to make one specific recommendation;NOT to make one specific recommendation; To honour the process (e.g. tonight’s meeting was the To honour the process (e.g. tonight’s meeting was the

GCWG’s request and the request of one other group);GCWG’s request and the request of one other group); To pave the way for the report to have integrity and To pave the way for the report to have integrity and

for the Board to have strong options to consider;for the Board to have strong options to consider; Next meeting – to review the feedback from tonight Next meeting – to review the feedback from tonight

and to provide the framework for the Superintendent’s and to provide the framework for the Superintendent’s report.report.

Summary Review of Emails and Summary Review of Emails and CorrespondenceCorrespondence

What is the preferred grade configuration What is the preferred grade configuration (group consensus)?(group consensus)?

Small sample: Preference not clear—fairly balanced Small sample: Preference not clear—fairly balanced view of:view of:

One transition (K-7 or 8) and (8 or 9-12) andOne transition (K-7 or 8) and (8 or 9-12) and Two transitions (K-5 or 6) and (6-8 or 7-9) and (9-12 or Two transitions (K-5 or 6) and (6-8 or 7-9) and (9-12 or

10-12)10-12) Either supported middle school or not—range of middle Either supported middle school or not—range of middle

school support not addressedschool support not addressed

Summary Review of Administrators’ Summary Review of Administrators’ Working GroupWorking Group

What is the preferred grade configuration What is the preferred grade configuration (group consensus)?(group consensus)?

3 groups (K-8 and 9-12)3 groups (K-8 and 9-12) 2 groups (K-7 and 8-12)2 groups (K-7 and 8-12) 2 groups (K-5, 6-8 and 9-12)2 groups (K-5, 6-8 and 9-12) Middle school concept not supported by the majority of Middle school concept not supported by the majority of

admin.admin.

Summary Review of Teachers’ Summary Review of Teachers’ Working GroupWorking Group

What is the preferred grade configuration What is the preferred grade configuration (group consensus)?(group consensus)?

Majority preferred K-8 and 9-12 configuration.Majority preferred K-8 and 9-12 configuration.

Summary Review of Public Summary Review of Public MeetingsMeetings

What is the preferred grade configuration What is the preferred grade configuration (group consensus):(group consensus): Inconclusive:Inconclusive:

K-8 and 9-12 “school within a school”K-8 and 9-12 “school within a school” K-8K-8 Middle SchoolMiddle School

K-6, 7-9, 10-12K-6, 7-9, 10-12 Support for middle schoolSupport for middle school

From preferred configuration to…From preferred configuration to…

The most important issues for each The most important issues for each group…group…

Summary Review of Emails and Summary Review of Emails and CorrespondenceCorrespondence

What is the most important educational issue for the Board What is the most important educational issue for the Board to consider?to consider?

Need to ensure supporting infrastructure re: available electivesNeed to ensure supporting infrastructure re: available electives Fewer transitions—remaining with similar groups for longer Fewer transitions—remaining with similar groups for longer

periodsperiods Maintaining sense of community/catchment areasMaintaining sense of community/catchment areas Student readiness of move into a middle school philosophyStudent readiness of move into a middle school philosophy Potential for leadership opportunities for 7-8sPotential for leadership opportunities for 7-8s Transportation—concern for increase in busingTransportation—concern for increase in busing Completely full schools leaves very little room for services that Completely full schools leaves very little room for services that

come into the school, e.g., itinerant/after school carecome into the school, e.g., itinerant/after school care Sustaining electives for middle school students, as well as extra-Sustaining electives for middle school students, as well as extra-

curricular activitiescurricular activities Need for consistencyNeed for consistency Continued community involvementContinued community involvement

Summary Review of Administrators’ Summary Review of Administrators’ Working GroupWorking Group

What are the most important issues for the What are the most important issues for the Board to consider:Board to consider:

Minimize number of transitionsMinimize number of transitions Equity (appropriate programs, facilities, staffing)Equity (appropriate programs, facilities, staffing) Consistency in configuration across districtConsistency in configuration across district Sustainability—maintain over long termSustainability—maintain over long term TransportationTransportation Neighbourhood school concept—impact on communityNeighbourhood school concept—impact on community Programs over facilitiesPrograms over facilities Social impact on studentsSocial impact on students

Summary Review of Teachers’ Summary Review of Teachers’ Working Group Working Group

What are the most important issues for the What are the most important issues for the Board to consider?Board to consider?

Relationship-building in the school communityRelationship-building in the school community Minimizing the number of transitionsMinimizing the number of transitions Optimize school size—relevant to meeting the learning and Optimize school size—relevant to meeting the learning and

physical needs of all withinphysical needs of all within Students first—meet their needsStudents first—meet their needs Ensure we provide alternate programs for “at risk” learnersEnsure we provide alternate programs for “at risk” learners Minimize travel times if possibleMinimize travel times if possible Pay attention to developmental needsPay attention to developmental needs Provide enough specialists for quality educational opportunities Provide enough specialists for quality educational opportunities

for students, e.g., PE, music, counselors, etc.for students, e.g., PE, music, counselors, etc.

Summary Review of Public Summary Review of Public MeetingsMeetings

What are the most important issues for the Board to consider?What are the most important issues for the Board to consider?

Maintain a breadth of services and programs for all studentsMaintain a breadth of services and programs for all students Maintain electives for grades 7 and 8Maintain electives for grades 7 and 8 Quality of services—variety of electives and supportQuality of services—variety of electives and support Quality of instructionQuality of instruction Protecting special needs programsProtecting special needs programs Maintain broad course offerings (access to all programs)Maintain broad course offerings (access to all programs) Size of schools/class sizeSize of schools/class size Busing/transportationBusing/transportation Student transition issues—emotional supportsStudent transition issues—emotional supports Neighbourhood schools—“sense of community”—we need to be Neighbourhood schools—“sense of community”—we need to be

consistent (rural can be different)consistent (rural can be different) Social issues—mixing of agesSocial issues—mixing of ages Meeting all the needs of a childMeeting all the needs of a child Change > morale > big picture > support for one anotherChange > morale > big picture > support for one another Dollars to do what we need to do and sustain itDollars to do what we need to do and sustain it Extra-curricular (consider access)Extra-curricular (consider access)

The Plan – The Vision for the The Plan – The Vision for the DistrictDistrict

1.1. Consolidate grades;Consolidate grades;2.2. Propose school closures;Propose school closures;3.3. Consolidate facilities;Consolidate facilities;4.4. Dispose of assets – including properties Dispose of assets – including properties

deemed surplus to educational need;deemed surplus to educational need;5.5. Adjust resource levels to strengthen Adjust resource levels to strengthen

school programs;school programs;6.6. Draft firm 3-5 year district plan with Draft firm 3-5 year district plan with

projection for 10 years.projection for 10 years.

Think locally act globallyThink locally act globally

While we all want to retain our While we all want to retain our neighbourhood schools it is up to each of neighbourhood schools it is up to each of us to consider the perspective of the entire us to consider the perspective of the entire district.district.

We have about 8000 children that each We have about 8000 children that each day rely on our collective work.day rely on our collective work.

What is the Superintendent’s Role?What is the Superintendent’s Role?

Process process process;Process process process;

Facilitator, active listener; Facilitator, active listener;

Presenter, gatherer of information; andPresenter, gatherer of information; and

Advisor to the board.Advisor to the board.

What is the Board’s RoleWhat is the Board’s Role

To make a decision that will, either way, To make a decision that will, either way, set the foundation for the district for the set the foundation for the district for the next decade and beyond.next decade and beyond.

What is your role?What is your role?

Participate, question, consider, seek Participate, question, consider, seek additional information, provide input; andadditional information, provide input; and

Get people involved.Get people involved.

It’s all a done dealIt’s all a done deal

March March – decision on grade configuration– decision on grade configuration

April April – potential school closures– potential school closures

Six months of consultation in school working Six months of consultation in school working committeescommittees

November – decision on school closure(s)November – decision on school closure(s)

Anything is possible…

Before the scenariosBefore the scenarios

No recommendations for Hornby and No recommendations for Hornby and Denman closures.Denman closures.

Multiple options in non-middle school Multiple options in non-middle school models.models.

Far more options possible but these are Far more options possible but these are the options we’ve heard from in our work the options we’ve heard from in our work with the public.with the public.

The ScenariosThe Scenarios

Status QuoStatus Quo

K-5, 6-8, 9-12K-5, 6-8, 9-12

K-6, 7-9, 10-12K-6, 7-9, 10-12

K-7, 8-10, 11-12 K-7, 8-10, 11-12

K-7, 8-12K-7, 8-12

K-8, 9-12K-8, 9-12

QuestionsQuestions

What advice would you give the Board with What advice would you give the Board with respect to their inventory of properties? (note: respect to their inventory of properties? (note: this is one-time funding)this is one-time funding)

What configuration do you feel would best serve What configuration do you feel would best serve the students of the valley; andthe students of the valley; and

Do you feel the configuration is financially Do you feel the configuration is financially sustainable?sustainable?

What issues do you feel are most important for What issues do you feel are most important for the Board to consider in reaching their decision?the Board to consider in reaching their decision?

Next StepsNext Steps

Gather your input and more through email;Gather your input and more through email;Meet with Grade Configuration Working Meet with Grade Configuration Working Group;Group;Write report for the Board;Write report for the Board;Committee of the Whole – March 13Committee of the Whole – March 13thth Board Meeting – March 27Board Meeting – March 27thth Committee of Whole – April 10Committee of Whole – April 10thth Board Meeting – April 24Board Meeting – April 24thth