Greetings:
Recently, two items have received a great deal of press coverage and public discussion. I would like to take this opportunity to address both items, clarify, and address any misconceptions.
Student Enrollment Projections, Facility Options and Elementary Enrollment Projections and Educational Program Studies
Periodically, the board and administration engage in enrollment projection studies and feasibility studies as part of due diligence to the students, staff and community of the district.
The extensive Pennsylvania Economy League (PEL) Enrollment Projection Study revealed a smaller kindergarten class and whether this is an anomaly or trend has yet to be determined. This report was presented to the Board of School Directors at the January 14 meeting and the report can be accessed on the district website (www.yssd.org) on the meeting agenda. An updated report is due November 2013.
With regard to Facility Options Study, an architectural and engineering firm will be engaged to study all district buildings. This report will develop growth densities with respect to proximity to the existing district schools to determine where classroom resources need to be focused effectively. The report will also provide financial and schematic plans which depict any maintenance, renovations or other options to be considered short and long-term.
The administration will be conducting an internal study related to Elementary Enrollment Projections and Educational Program. Included in this study will be an analysis of each building’s capacity as it relates to the educational programs, legal requirements, class size and each building’s capability to provide the educational spaces dictated by educational programs.
Upon completion of these three studies, the board will engage in discussion to develop short and long-range decisions. No decision has been made with regard to any building and will not be until all data is collected and analyzed. Any and all decisions will be open to staff and community input.
York Recovery Advisory Committee
I am pleased to serve on the York Recovery Advisory Committee to work with the York City School District and the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The Advisory Committee has been presented with five options to address the financial and academic issues of the York City School District. One option that has been getting a lot of press is consolidation with other school districts.
School consolidation in Pennsylvania is a long process and is regulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, legislature and other entities. In addition, staff members, community members and board members have the opportunity to provide their input.
The Chief Recovery Officer for the School District of the City of York sent a letter to presidents of local School Boards to discuss ways to collaborate and whether School Boards would engage in discussion regarding collaboration/ consolidation.
In summary, please rest assured in addition to keeping you informed throughout these processes, there will be ample opportunity for input should any changes be proposed.
Please call or email me if you would like to discuss this further. I also invite you to attend the school board meetings as another way of staying informed.
Kathryn L. Orban
Superintendent