Board to consider consolidation plans for two junior highs

We would like to share some important information with you about our district’s junior high schools. This was announced at the Governing Board meeting last night.

Three Recommendations

The Board is considering three recommendations to maximize the use of our school facilities and focus our funding on quality academic programs for students:

1.   Transfer the current Brimhall Junior High School students to neighboring junior high schools and repurpose the campus for another Mesa Public Schools educational program.

Among the repurposing options is the transfer of students from Franklin Junior High, Franklin Northeast Elementary and Franklin South Elementary to the Brimhall Junior campus. This would allow the closure of the three Franklin campuses which are currently housed in portable buildings, thus reducing excess space in the district. A second option would involve expanding another educational program currently offered within the district.

If approved by the Governing Board, new junior high boundaries would be created for the Brimhall Junior area by the Planning and Boundary Design Advisory Committee (PABDAC). These meetings would be scheduled following the Board’s decision. 

2.   Close Mesa Junior High School. A possible future use for the site could be a park/youth sports venue developed in partnership with the City of Mesa.

If approved by the Governing Board, new junior high boundaries would be created by the Planning and Boundary Design Advisory Committee (PABDAC) with meetings scheduled following the board’s decision. Mesa Junior High School students would attend another nearby junior high school.

3.   Decommission and remove unneeded portable classrooms from junior high school campuses.

This will reduce excess capacity throughout the district and save both utility and maintenance costs now spent on unneeded space in portable classrooms.

Background

Enrollment in Mesa Public Schools has decreased by nearly 10,000 students during the past eight years. This has left a surplus of space in schools throughout the district. By consolidating buildings, the district can focus its resources on quality academic programs for students.

The cost savings from school consolidation comes from combining school administrative and office staff, utilities, custodial services and ongoing maintenance.

Next Steps

Like previous phases of Defining the Future, school consolidation would be a multiyear process. This year, the focus is on junior high schools. Next year, the board will look at possible consolidation of elementary schools.

If the recommendations are approved, new boundaries will be set for the junior highs, and the students from Brimhall and Mesa junior highs will be transferred to nearby schools. Teachers will also be shifted to accommodate the students as they move to their new schools.

These are recommendations, and the Board could make changes before final decisions are made.

The Process

Public meetings are planned in October. The board will listen to comments from staff, parents and community members. Feedback may also be provided to the Board through an online form.

The Board is expected to make a final decision by mid-December.

I know you will have many questions, and the district will continue to share information as the board considers these ideas.

Provide online feedback at www.mpsaz.org/future