Superintendent Explains Middle School Decision

The following was sent to White Lake Patch Editor Brooke Meier:

Huron Valley Schools, in the face of challenging and uncertain times, has to look at a multitude of decisions, such as building utilization, to meet the educational needs of our students as well as address our financial issues. Whenever the District looks at our educational programming and building configurations, what drives our discussion and decision making is what is best for our students and the community.

Since 2006, Huron Valley has conducted significant building utilization studies to maximize resources for our core mission of teaching and learning and reduce expenses during difficult economic times. This year, a study committee examined our middle school building utilization and concluded we could consolidate into three middle schools and the District should revise boundary lines as well as adjust how some schools feed into the middle and high schools.

The Board weighed the benefits and potential weaknesses at the educational, operational and community level of several options. After careful consideration of the comprehensive findings from the middle school study committee, an analysis of current data, significant stakeholder feedback, increased financial challenges and the recommendation from Administration, the Board voted to close Highland Middle School and redistrict for implementation in fall 2011.

Although Highland Middle School was identified for closure, it was not a reflection on its hard working and dedicated staff or wonderful students.  Highland Middle School is home to outstanding students and staff who continuously demonstrate high academic achievement.

Highland Middle School was selected for closure as it:

• is the oldest middle school (originally built  in 1935/1938, with additional construction in 1953, 1964, 1968),
• has the lowest enrollment and as a result the least number of students to relocate,
• has the lowest utilization (50% current utilization based on capacity),
• does not have any designated/specifically designed special education classrooms to relocate, and
• would require the greatest investment to maintain in the future given the age of the building.

In addition, closing a middle school and redistricting better balances enrollment between the three remaining buildings and high schools. Given the proposed cuts in state funding and the District’s anticipated deficit of over $12 million next year, closing a building would bring in over $800,000 in annual savings.

Redistricting plans, including revisions to elementary boundary lines to adjust how some schools feed into the middle and high schools, will be communicated directly to parents and are posted online (http://www.huronvalley.k12.mi.us/parentresources/middleschoolfacilities/).

Grandfathering, open enrollment and Schools of Choice guidelines have not been finalized but will be communicated when completed. We will also begin to work with those impacted to ensure a smooth and positive transition of students and staff into new schools for the 2011-12 school year.

Although we face difficult challenges, such as closing a school, we will maintain our focus on providing a quality education for all of our students with the support of our exemplary staff, devoted parents and caring community.