NIPPERSINK S.D. 2

GRADE LEVEL CENTER STUDY (GLCS)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q:  What does “grade level center” mean?

A:  All students of the same grade attend the same school regardless of where they live in the district.

Q:  Why is the Board of Education studying this?

A:  Purpose:

A. To research and analyze the feasibility of moving from a neighborhood school concept to    a grade level center concept.

B. To identify, examine and report on issues associated with grade level reconfiguration.

C. To assist the Board of Education with long-range planning.

Q:  Where can I find out more about this district study?

A:  A link is provided on the school district’s website containing information related to the work of the steering committee. (www.nippersinkdistrict2.org)

Q:  What areas will be studied?

A:            Curriculum & Instruction

  Facilities

                Finance

                Human Resources

                Transportation

                Research

Q:  Who are members of the Grade Level Center Study (GLCS) Steering Committee?

A:  Board Members, Administrators, Teachers and Parents

      The list may be found on the district website.

Q:  Will the Steering Committee make a recommendation to the Board of Education regarding moving to Grade Level Centers?

A:  No.  The Grade Level Center Study (GLCS) Committee is only researching and analyzing the feasibility.  Refer to the “purpose” statement referenced above.

Q:  Will parents be able to provide input into the GLCS process? 

A:  Yes.  The GLCS website link provides an opportunity for comments and questions to be submitted.  In addition, during the study process, a parent survey will be conducted to obtain feedback and opinions. 

Q:  Will reconfiguration cost the district or save the district money?

A:  A thorough analysis on the financial implications related to grade level centers will be conducted.

Q:  Will reconfiguration improve student academic performance?

A:   Research will be conducted. 

Q:  Will reconfiguration cause bus rides to be longer? Cost more?

A:  Various bus route options will be reviewed. 

Q:  Which school is being considered for what grade levels?

A:  Scenarios will be examined during the study.  

Q:  What timeline is the Board of Education considering?

A:  The Steering Committee is planning for a summary report to the Board of Education in the fall of 2014.

Q:  How will class size be affected in reconfiguration?

A:  Class size will be a consideration in the study.  Balanced class sizes are desirable. 

Q:  Aren’t there advantages of the neighborhood school?

A:  Yes.  The committee will study these merits, also.

Q:  Would this be put to a vote prior to implementation?

A:  Yes.  The Board of Education would have to vote on altering the district’s grade level configuration.  At this time, the Board has only requested a feasibility study from the committee. 

Q:  Are other school districts configured by grade level centers?

A:  The committee will be reviewing other districts’ configuration and rationale.

Q:  Will staff have input into the study?

A:  Yes.  Teacher representatives from all three schools are on the committee.  A staff survey will be conducted during the study process.

Q:  Could school boundaries change even if the neighborhood school concept remains?

A:  Yes.  This is a possibility, in order to address school building operational efficiencies and the management of student enrollment. 

Q:  Are certain criteria being weighted more heavily than others?

A:  The Board would have to select criteria and weight them accordingly, if they wish to do so.  At this time, no decision is being made.  A study is being conducted. 

Q:  Would the two elementary school buildings require renovations to make them each more age-appropriate, if the district moves to grade level centers? 

A:  Facility and infrastructure aspects are part of the study.