The PSD Underutilized Schools Plan was presented to the Board of Education August 24, as a work session topic. 

On June 8, the Board adopted a resolution concerning underutilized schools, directing district administration to develop a plan that may include closing schools for the 2011-12 school year.  The resolution directed administration to present a plan on or before September 1. The resolution also stated that a final recommendation should be developed by January 11, and voted on by the Board on January 25, 2011.

Kevin Hahn, assistant superintendent of elementary schools, shared details about the plan with the Board, who asked questions and discussed the contents and overall direction of the plan.  Board members commented that the plan seemed to capture the intent of the resolution, and said they liked the fact that it includes innovation and efficiencies in the process.  Board members also cautioned that the process be followed with no pre-determined outcome.

"We can't pretend that these are not serious issues and financial realities we are facing," said Director Tom Balchak.  "This process allows for emotion to be addressed, and I see a process I can support."

Board president Nancy Tellez said "What I appreciate about this plan is it goes beyond closing schools to include innovation and efficiencies.  I also like that it starts at the school level and encourages the school community to be involved."

The Board gave Dr. Hahn support for moving forward with the timeline and direction of the plan.

You can access the Resolution and Underutilized School Plan presented to the Board Aug. 24 here. The steps in the process are below.  This web page will be updated with detailed information as it becomes available.

DEVELOP UNDERUTILIZED SCHOOL PLAN (June – Aug. 2010)
     1. Design plan based on Board Resolution
     2. District appoints Advisory Group
     3. Advisory Group reviews plan and criteria
     4. August 24: District presents plan to Board

SCHOOL SELF STUDY & PLAN DEVELOPMENT (Mid-Sept. – Mid-Nov. 2010)
    1. Apply criteria: District identifies schools to develop Closure & Consolidation Plan and/or Innovation & Efficiencies Plan
    2. Schools develop plans

REVIEW OF CLOSURE & CONSOLIDATION PLANS AND INNOVATION & EFFICIENCY PLANS (Nov. - Dec. 2010)
     1. Schools present plans to Advisory Group
     2. Advisory Group identifies pros & cons of school plans
     3. Cabinet reviews school plans and pros & cons

DISTRICT RECOMMENDATION (Jan. 2011)
    1. District identifies schools for closure & consolidation and innovation & efficiencies, and presents a recommendation to the Board of Education (Jan. 11, 2011)
     2. Public engagement activities held to comment on district recommendation
     3. Board votes on District Recommendation (Jan. 25,2011)