Junior highs to be reviewed for possible consolidation

Sept. 13 Governing Board video (timer setting for this discussion — 32:25)

A review of the district’s junior high schools for possible closure and repurposing was supported by the Governing Board at its Sept. 13 meeting. Members asked the superintendent to bring forward possible reuse options along with any proposed closures.

Recommendations could come as early as the Sept. 27 board meeting. The board's final decisions would likely be made by mid-December. Before that, the board would have a community-input process that includes staff and parent notification, public hearings and online feedback.

Enrollment has decreased during the past eight years, leaving excess space at schools throughout the district.

The administration suggested that the board consider school repurposing in two phases. Under this scenario, the consolidation of junior highs would be the first phase set for 2012-13. A second phase would be a review and possible consolidation of elementary schools for 2013-14.

In the past two years, several facility changes have been made to rightsize the district and efficiently use resources while maximizing student achievement.

The process, Defining the Future, included transferring the ninth-grade class to the high school, repurposing Powell Junior High to the Mesa Education Center, closing and repurposing McKellips Middle School, establishing Summit Academy (K-8) at Frost Elementary and Hendrix Junior High, transferring students from the Early Education Center to Jordan Elementary School, opening Franklin at Alma Elementary, and relocating the Montessori program from Sunridge Learning Center to Pomeroy Elementary.