Schools

BOE to Look Into Action Plan for School Overcrowding

Results of five-year school population study shows an uptick in high school students.

There will be no change to "student population balances" to relieve overcrowding at Summit's Franklin elementary school for this upcoming school year.

According to a letter emailed to parents this afternoon from Summit superintendent Nathan Parker, the results of a student population study shows that the elementary and middle school populations will remain "relatively stable from 2016-2017".

However, due to bigger kindergarten through eigth grade classes, an uptick in population is expected in the high school, according to the letter. The letter did not state specific student population numbers. The study, which included a five-year student population projection, was conducted by demographic consultant Ross Haber.

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Here is the letter:

 

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March 27, 2012
Dear Parents,
This is a follow-up to a letter I sent you last month regarding a student population study being conducted to assist us in determining the best solution for overcrowding at Franklin School. At a meeting held this morning, Ross Haber, the demographer who conducted the study, presented the preliminary findings of his report to several members of the board of education and the Administrative Council of principals, assistant principals, and central office administrators.

The preliminary report included enrollment and capacity at each school as well as student population at each grade level throughout the district.

In discussions immediately following Mr. Haber’s presentation, it was concluded that additional information and further discussion is necessary before a proposal can be made to redistribute the elementary schools’ student populations to alleviate the situation at Franklin School. Therefore, no significant changes to student population balances will be made for the upcoming school year.

The board will now develop an action plan on how to reduce overcrowding at Franklin School using the results of the study as well as input from the community. Parents will be kept informed on the progress of these plans.

Five-year population projection
Mr. Haber’s study, which included a six-year demographic history and a five-year projection, indicated the population at the elementary schools and the middle school will remain relatively stable through the 2016-2017 school year. A population increase is expected at Summit High School as larger kindergarten through eighth grade classes enter the high school.
The study also projected class size at each grade level at each elementary school for the next five years and room-use based on those projections.

Mr. Haber’s study has provided us with extremely valuable information that will assist us in meeting current needs, such as those at Franklin School, and in planning for the future.
We look forward to working with you on assuring that all of our students receive the best possible education.
Best regards,
Nathan Parker


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