Board to close Mesa Junior High and repurpose Brimhall Junior High

Defining the Future III continues to deliver on the district’s goals to maximize the use of school facilities and to focus funding on quality academic programs for students.

The Governing Board approved new junior high attendance areas at its Dec. 13 meeting. The changes take effect in the 2012-13 school year. The only junior high that will not be affected is Shepherd.

Background

After a presentation at its Nov. 8 meeting, the Governing Board unanimously approved three recommendations:

• close Mesa Junior High School    
• repurpose Brimhall Junior High School to a Franklin Focus School
• decommission/eliminate portables

The Planning and Boundary Design Advisory Committee (PABDAC) presented information Dec. 1 and Dec. 6 during hearings to obtain public input and to finalize recommendations to the board on the new junior high boundaries.

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.

Anticipated savings

• $1.68 million from administrative, clerical and operational costs of Brimhall and Mesa junior highs
• $108,000 from consolidation of Franklin campuses
• $583,000 from utilities at Mesa Junior and the Franklin campuses

 The total annual savings will be $2.32 million. There will also be a one-time savings of $4.5 million on building maintenance.

Next steps

As in previous phases of Defining the Future, school consolidation will 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.