The following are the parameters to be given to the Boundary Study Committee for their work during the 2000-2001 school year.  The Boundary Study Committee will be advisory to the superintendent.  The Committee work will be reported to the board periodically through information packets and meeting presentations.

CHARGE:

¨      Study past, present and future student population trends and adjust school boundaries and grade level configurations to bring about cost savings within current class size guidelines of primary 20-25 and intermediate and junior high 25-32 for a projected five-year period.

NEED:

The last study was conducted in 1988-89.  Current boundaries have been in place with very minor adjustments since that study.

Evidence for the need for such a study comes from the following:

¨      Current demographics are not equal among primary schools, intermediate schools and junior high schools.

¨      Class sizes are at a record low and not affordable.

¨      There has been a decline in student population for the past two years. The population for 2000-2001 did not further decline.

¨      There has been a decline in state aid for the past two years as a result of student population.

¨      Space is needed for health clinics in all schools.

¨      Wilson School will open in 2001-2002 and current plans call for moving all preschool programs and services to the old Wilson campus.

MEMBERSHIP:

Board members Dean Bacon and MikeTibbs

Administrative members Chuck Bowen and  Jeff Erickson

Association representatives Patty Manning and Kris Rogers

PROCESS:

The committee needs to study the current boundaries with regard to:

Ø      Balance of student population and class size guidelines

Ø      Equity of socio-economic demographics

Ø      Title I eligibility (K-6 priority)

Ø      Projected enrollments

Ø      Transportation needs

Ø      Efficient and Economic Space Utilization for needed programs and services

Ø      Efficient and Economic use of fiscal resources (balanced budget)

The committee needs to include the following in its recommendation:

• Grade configurations for all buildings
• Class size projections/ number of sections
•  Boundary descriptions
•  Demographic comparisons
• Title I eligibility comparisons
•  Transportation implications
•   Potential cost/ savings

TIMELINE:

A recommendation should be made to the Board of Education by January, 2001.  The recommendation will then receive public review and feedback prior to any board decision to be made at the March 2001 meeting.