Last Update - 11/12/2008

Why is PPS changing the EL Attendance Areas?
In the fall of 2007, voters approved a bond issue which called for the construction of a new elementary school west of US-131, as well as the decommissioning of one of our older facilities, Waylee Elementary. Updates are required both to establish the attendance area for the new school, and to accommodate the assignment of Waylee neighborhoods to other schools. We will also use this opportunity to address overcrowding presently occurring at some of our other elementary schools.
 
How was this plan developed?  Who is the AASC?
In the fall of 2007, the Attendance Area Study Committee (AASC) was established to develop the guidelines for boundary changes, as well as the new boundaries themselves. The AASC is comprised of parent representatives from all PPS elementary and middle schools, along with selected members of the PPS administrative staff.  In the spring of 2008, the AASC released two candidate proposals to the public for review and comment.  Based on the feedback they received and a review of projected enrollment data, the candidate proposals were adjusted into a single recommendation for the administration and Board of Education to consider.
 
What are the guiding principles used to make decisions?

• Maintain neighborhood school groups
  (neighborhoods attend the same school – EL, MS, & HS)
• Move as few students as possible
• Minimize student time on bus routes
• Avoid social economic status imbalances and ensure boundaries lead to equitable services
• Maintain secondary school enrollments
  

You mention social economic status in your guiding principles.  What exactly does this mean and how was it used?
As per State and Federal Law, we are required to track and report the number of students participating in our free/reduced lunch program.  This percentage is often referred to as the Social Economic Status or SES of the building.  The present elementary average is 22%.
 
As the AASC worked on the boundaries, this data was reviewed to ensure that no imbalances in the SES rates for the elementaries were created.  A range of +/- 10% was established.  None of the specific changes to the boundaries were made to balance SES, however some ideas were rejected as they would have lead to SES rates outside of the target range.
  
How has the public at large been engaged to review the plan and provide feedback?
The AASC reviewed several candidate plans, and in the spring of 2008 released two options for public review and comment.  Five open houses were held to allow the public to inspect the options, ask questions and comment.  All of the information was posted on the district’s web site, and several direct mailings were sent to the impacted families.  District newsletters, weekly flyers  and the press outlets were also used to communicate the draft plans and solicit feedback. 
 
What is the timeline for the final decision?
The AASC’s recommendation will be presented to the Board of Education during its regular meeting on November 24th, 2008 for initial viewing.  At that time, the recommendation will also be released to the public at large.  The Board will then take final action during its regular meeting on December 15th.
 
When will the elementary boundary changes take effect?
Elementary boundaries will be shifted in the fall of 2009 to coincide with the opening of the 12th Street elementary school.
 
What about middle and high school boundaries?
The AASC has made a recommendation to reassign some areas that may be developed for new housing in the future, but has decided to not change existing assignments at this time.  This topic will be revisited by the committees charged with reviewing the district’s long term plans.  The AASC has recommended any secondary changes be phased in over time so that existing families may stay at their current school.
 
What if I wish my child to remain at his/her current school?
The district will consider these ‘grandfathering’ requests on a case by case basis, granting those requests where we are able to do so.  Once the Board takes final action in December, a mailing will be sent to all families to confirm their assignment for the 09-10 school year, as well as outline the process for grandfathering requests in full detail.
 
I currently have an in-district transfer on file with the administration. Will that be honored?
As always, PPS will review these on a case by case basis, making accommodations where we are able – it is our intent to honor as many of these existing arrangements as we are able.   We will notify families with current in-district transfer arrangements of any changes no later than April of 2009.
  
What is the district doing to prepare staff, students, and parents for the transition?
The AASC has begun to process ideas for supporting a successful transition to the new boundaries. District and building administrators are working closely with staff members to review teaching assignments, section sizes, and other logistical issues.
 
Additionally, elementary school principals are working closely with our PTO leadership to schedule open houses and other activities to assist families with their transitions.
 
What about bussing and walk zones?
Once the plan is finalized, determinations on walk zones will be made and published. Exact bus routes and pickup/drop-off times for the 09-10 school year will be announced the summer of 2009.
 
What about contingency plans assuming actual enrollment does not match the projected enrollment?
The AASC has identified four zones that may be transitioned to alternate school sites should the need arise.  This information will be included with the public release of information.
 
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