Board Adopts School Use Resolution

Resolution to Address Underutilized Schools

On June 8, the PSD Board of Education adopted a resolution concerning underutilized schools, directing the Superintendent to develop a plan that may include closing schools for the 2011-12 school year. 

The board passed the resolution on a vote of 5-1 after a lengthy discussion that included four amendments to the resolution’s wording.

According to the resolution, an initial plan should be completed by September 1 for presentation to the Board.  The resolution also states that a final recommendation should be developed by January 11, and voted on by the Board on January 20, 2011.

The problems or needs stated in the resolution include the fact that PSD cannot afford to keep all of its schools open without significant funding cuts elsewhere, many schools are experiencing declining enrollments, and the community values maintaining high quality educational programs.

The adopted resolution follows:

Resolution of the Board of Education, Poudre School District R-1

Concerning Underutilized Schools

WHEREAS, The Poudre School District cannot afford to keep all of its schools open without significant cuts elsewhere; and

WHEREAS, the factors contributing to this reality include declining enrollments, critical district and state financial circumstances, the need to maintain high quality educational programs, and the cost of unnecessarily keeping underutilized facilities open; and

WHEREAS, the district has engaged in extensive facility and feasibility studies and comprehensive community engagement on small school funding (The results of which can be accessed on the district website); and

WHEREAS, the small school forum yielded these recommendations: Retain high quality education; Be good stewards of financial efficiency without sacrificing quality; Preserve programs and choices that meet the needs of children if schools are consolidated; Encourage and participate in initiatives developed by school communities; The public preference is for action over inaction, and

WHEREAS, in a state that has reduced K-12 funding 6.3%, the Poudre School District is one of the lowest funded yet continues to demonstrate high levels of student achievement in multiple areas: and

WHEREAS, the board recognizes that schools within growth areas, geographically isolated, or small because of district supported school choice, may not be suitable for closure. Schools in this category, however, should work with their communities to develop ways to increase efficiencies that might include school branding or K-8 configurations; and

WHEREAS, the Poudre School District supports and encourages innovation in school communities for finding solutions to the challenges outlined in the resolution;

THEREFORE, IT IS RESOLVED, that the Board of education directs the superintendent to develop a plan concerning underutilized schools, which may include closing schools, for the 2011 – 2012 school year. The plan should include best practices as part of the process and be open and transparent. The initial plan is to be completed by September 1, 2010 and presented to the Board of Education. A final recommendation should be developed by January 11, and voted on by the board as required in EL 2.3.9 board policy on January 20, 2011.

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