School Board Votes on Plan to Deal With Crowding

The Dublin Unified School District Board unanimously approved plans to deal with the district’s expanding student population at Tuesday night’s regular meeting.

There are no boundary changes or lotteries in the approved plan.

The plan highlights for 2015-16 and 2016-17 include:

• A cap at Fallon Middle School of 1,500 students
• Program adjustments in the form of three lunch periods at Fallon Middle School  The potential use of a TK-6 program at one or more elementary schools

Consideration of the potential for a theme-based school at Wells Middle School Plan highlights for the 2017-18 through 2019-20 include:

• Continued cap and program adjustments at Fallon
• Accelerated construction of E-5 (Jordan Ranch School) – targeted opening Fall 2018
• E-5 (Jordan Ranch School) built as a Theme-Based K-8 School
• Use of K-6 programs as needed
• The regionalization of the TK (developmental kindergarten) program to provide space at elementary sites
• Implementation of a theme-based program at Wells

“The Board carefully considered the recommendations of the DOC, and determined that they best meet the needs of our community,” said Superintendent Stephen Hanke. “The Board continues to make excellent decisions focused on meeting student needs. I want to thank the DOC members, staff and our parent community for their hard work and input in finding a solution to this important issue.”

The District Optimization Committee, made up of administrators, staff, parents and representatives from labor associations and the City of Dublin, began meeting in December, received significant community input and brought forward the recommendations that the Board approved Tuesday night.

“The Board of Trustees is grateful for the efforts of the District Optimization Committee and their generous dedication of time to propose recommendations that best meet the needs of our school community,” said Board President Amy Miller.

“Our Board is committed to making sure Dublin students are provided every opportunity to achieve and succeed. We look forward to reviewing the District Master Facilities Plan in a few months and continuing our partnership with our parents and the city. It is especially meaningful to know we can count on community support as we move forward.”

--Image via Patch Archive