We know that for every family in our district, the most important question is: “Where will my child attend school in the coming years?” Currently, our district is evaluating a significant proposal to “right-size” our facilities. This plan involves two major shifts: transitioning to a new Intermediate School model with separate buildings for PK-4, 5-6, & 7-8, and consolidating several schools. These changes are designed to move us away from a model where resources are spread thin across 31 buildings, and toward a more sustainable structure that allows the district to stabilize finances while still prioritizing student success and opportunities. 

Important: This is a Proposal

It is vital to remember that nothing is final yet. The plans being shared with you today to possibly consolidate schools and redraw boundaries are proposals that the Board of Education will hear for the first time at their meeting on Monday, January 12th.  The Board is scheduled to vote on these facilities changes on January 26. Until that action is taken, these maps, school lists, and implementation dates are subject to change based on further discussion and community feedback.

The Case for Change: Investing in Classrooms, Not Empty Seats

To ensure the long-term health of our district and provide the best education possible, we must address our current footprint:

  • The Reality of “Empty Seats”: We currently have 3,500 empty seats across the district. Eleven of our schools are operating at under 70% capacity.
  • Redirecting Resources: Maintaining underutilized buildings costs the district millions of dollars annually in unnecessary maintenance and operations. Consolidating a single building can save an estimated $1M per year—money that can be redirected back into our classrooms for teacher salaries, student technology, and academic support.
  • Sustainability: Doing nothing is no longer an option. By right-sizing, we ensure that every building—from elementary to high school—is operating at an ideal capacity that supports a full range of elective offerings and support staff.

Why the Intermediate Model?

A major part of this proposal is the move to separate buildings for Grades 5–6. This model was selected based on clear feedback from our community and staff surveys because it:

  • Specialized Learning: It allows us to create age-appropriate curriculum and social-emotional supports specifically for students in those “bridge” years between elementary and middle school.
  • Increased Access: In this model, students are more likely to have full-time access to music, art, and PE specialists, as well as counselors and nurses who aren’t splitting their time between multiple campuses.
  • Strengthens Community: It establishes clear “feeder patterns,” so families know exactly which schools their children will attend from preschool all the way through graduation.

Proposed Options

The following proposal for school consolidations and feeder patterns will be presented to the board on Monday, January 12th. Based on board input, we will next work on options for redrawing school boundaries that would determine where students may attend school in the future:

Consolidation Option Chart Full

*Truman Early Learning Center would also close, and preschool would be moved into existing elementary schools. 

Options for a Phased Consolidation Timeline
The board will also consider the timeline for implementing the intermediate model and school consolidation including:

  • Do we start in the Fall of 2026 or Fall of 2027 
  • So we phase consolidation over 2 or 3 years

There are limiting variables to consider, such as when construction of Hoover, Van Buren, and Harrison will be complete and the capacity of our operations team to prepare buildings for staff and students.

Proposed timeline graphic.

Addressing Your Concerns

We know a transition of this scale brings up concerns about the “logistics” of daily life. Once the Board makes a final decision on Jan. 26, we will begin the work of addressing:

  • Transportation: Updated bus routes and travel times.
  • Transition Plans: The roadmap for how students will be reassigned and welcomed into their new school.
  • Student Supports: Specific plans to ensure our students feel safe and supported during this change.
  • February: Development of specific staffing processes based on the final vote.

Key Takeaway: As we move forward, please keep in mind that nothing is finalized until the School Board takes action. This includes the decision on whether implementation begins in Fall 2026 or 2027.

CLICK HERE TO PROVIDE FEEDBACK ON THE PROPOSAL