Grade Configuration Task Force Recommendation

October 20, 2005

The members of the task force have identified these three compelling reasons to consider a grade configuration change:

Ideal curriculum alignment

Equalized Enrollment in Five Elementary Buildings

Enhanced Parent - Home Relationships

Based on a review of the literature and research, community and staff input, and the deliberation of meetings held September 26, 2005, October 3, 2005, October 13, 2005, and October 17, 2005 we believe that a change is indicated and the following recommendations are made:

1. Proceed with the action of forming subcommittees to address the following concerns.

§ Educational Programs (curriculum, staffing, etc)

§ Support Services (transportation, facilities, etc)

§ Enrollment, Equity, Economics

2. Consider all forms of reconfiguration and not limit the best decision to only Kindergarten – Fifth grade. Examples: PK-5, 1-5 with a separate PK-K complex, the addition of portable classrooms, and others as indicated by the subcommittees.

3. Consider accepting a 2007-2008 start date.

Respectfully submitted October 20, 2005.

Superintendent’s Response –

Based on changing information about new housing in Hereford, he agrees that long term solutions would best be put into place in 2007-2008, with administrative discretion for intermediate steps / short term solutions for 2006-2007.

A 30 member committee of the whole will be selected by November 11, 2005. The committee comprised of 7 community and 23 staff will meet monthly and will be the basis for the three subcommittees. A complete plan (funding, who moves and how, boundaries, etc.) will be presented to the public in November 2006.

Priorities continue to be: address overcrowding, communicate, plan thoroughly, continue to do what is in the best interest of the children of Hereford.