Utilizing Classroom Space in Waltham Schools: Community Input on New Proposals

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To address concerns over over-crowding, and underutilized schools, as well as a prediction of enrollment spike in the future, Waltham Superintendent Drew Echelson is spear-heading an effort to find solutions.

Echelson sent the following to the Waltham Community on Friday:

Last week I wrote to communicate that the district would be presenting several proposals to address two key issues—one current and one more long-term: (1) current variability in elementary enrollment that has some schools overenrolled and crowded and others underutilized and (2) enrollment projections suggest Waltham will see a significant spike in enrollment over the next 10 years.

At the November 4, 2015 meeting we presented four proposals to the School Committee. Let me begin by providing a very brief overview of each proposal below:

Proposal A (Reorganize Elementary Grade Structure): This proposes an East-West assignment model that has 1 boundary line and assigns students to schools by grade spans (PreK-1, 2-3 and 4-5).

Proposal B (Reorganize Boundary Assignments): This proposes new boundary lines that have been created using natural and/or clearly defined borders throughout the city.

Proposal C (Reorganize Elementary and Middle Grade Structure): This proposes a new structure to elementary school (PreK/K-4) and for middle school (5-8). This is an idea that emerged from the PTO/teacher rep concept design session and one we previously passed on exploring due to constraints found in our analysis.

Proposal D (Add Additional elementary or K-8 school): An analysis of proposals suggests that we will again experience additional capacity issues in years to come (especially with proposal B) and thus we recommend an additional elementary school be added to the portfolio.

The School Committee voted to move all four proposals forward for community dialogue at our upcoming forums.

The forums are scheduled for:

Monday, Nov. 9
Kennedy Auditorium
6:30–7:30 p.m.
Parents and Community Members

Tuesday, Nov. 17
McDevitt Auditorium
6:30–7:30 p.m.
Parents and Community Members

Wednesday, Nov. 18
Kennedy Auditorium
3:30- 4:30 p.m.
Any Elementary, Middle or High School Staff

Monday , Nov. 23
McDevitt Auditorium
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Any Elementary, Middle or High School Staff

Tuesday, Dec. 1
Kennedy Auditorium
6:30–7:30 p.m.
Parents & Community Members

Learn more about the proposals by going here.