With CSD Enrollment Rising, Superintendent Urges Board to Think About Westchester
Decatur Metro | June 9, 2011From Superintendent Phyllis Edwards’ letter to the School Board prior to next week’s meeting…
Since the enrollment continues to grow, even without annexation, the Board may wish to consider next steps so that the Westchester building may be turned back into a school site. It is my belief that a committee should be organized next year to look at the possibilities, cost, and timeline. I have said, at previous meetings, that one way to re-open would be to consider making Westchester a “choice” school. You might consider a controlled choice option – residents in the immediate zone would have preference to attend Westchester but anyone else that wished to go to the school would be included if space allowed. Usually a lottery is used in these cases. A choice school can be developed based on the type of educational program or delivery system employed or perhaps in the case of our school system on other criteria. I certainly am willing to begin such a process with a group of community members/parents that might be interested in such a discussion. Certainly we would want to identify a timeline toward relocating the central office personnel. It might also serve as a site to house overflow pre-K classes or classes serving students with disabilities. I would recommend establishing a plan so you might be ready to implement in 2013-2014.