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Consolidation of Schools

The Superintendent has proposed a plan to the Board of Education that would consolidate up to 12 schools, and expand schools of choice, such as French Immersion and Montessori. This is a massive undertaking and the first time in many years that the administration has tackled the issue of consolidation. Currently, there are a number of schools (mostly elementary schools) across the county that are well below capacity. In fact, there are many below the 60% margin, while at the same time some areas of the county are exploding and are operating at numbers well above 100% capacity. The plan would balance out some of these communities and look to move children to schools that are still within a reasonable range of their current school location.

Given the current fiscal crisis that we are facing, it would appear difficult for the School Board members to reject this plan entirely, given the level of savings or cost avoidances that are projected. The plan could save the district up to $16 million, if fully implemented. Given the fact that we are facing a $35 million cut in the Superintendent’s proposed budget for next year, and we are looking at an immediate cut in the foundation formula, it is likely some consolidation will be approved. But, again, this is just a recommendation and will require BOE approval.

Most members are concerned about what is going to happen if they are in one of those schools. In consolidation, the teachers will generally follow the students to the schools that have the capacity to handle additional staff. In the proposal, most teachers would follow their students. Others would be subject to involuntary transfers. Nothing in this process prevents members from applying for the normal voluntary transfer process as well (which may get a number of them placed).

In totality, this plan, along with already scheduled cuts, will reduce the total work force by more than 1,200 positions in next year’s budget. But that still does not leave us with a balanced budget, which is required by law. PGCEA is scheduled to meet with the administration to review the procedures that will be implemented if a consolidation plan is approved by the BOE.

Appliances in Classrooms

The administration will be stepping up its enforcement of not having appliances in classrooms. The Board of Education was recently sited by two state agencies for its failure to remove and monitor the use of small appliances in classrooms. As a result, we have seen a new administrative procedure directing principals to remove all small appliances from classrooms, including coffee makers, refrigerators and microwaves. The two major concerns were overloading of the electrical systems in the building and food sources created for rodents and pests. Each school will be required to provide a designated area, such as the faculty lounge, for appliances in the buildings. This is not a building-by-building decision, but rather a district mandate.