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 were these plans developed?
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. Over the course of several meetings this past winter and spring, these proposals were developed.

What are the guiding principles used to make decisions?

• Maintain neighborhood school groups
  (neighborhoods attend the same school ? EL, MS, & HS)
• Balance the social economic status makeup of the schools
• Comparable high school enrollments
• Move as few students as possible
• Minimize student time on bus routes

Why are there two plans?
The committee studying the attendance areas put forth its original proposal, called Option D, in May. After considering the feedback received, the committee developed an alternate proposal, Option E. With the school year coming to an end, the committee has decided to put both proposals out for comment for the duration of the summer months.

What happened to Options A, B, and C?
Options A, B, and C were early ideas considered by the committee. They were all rejected as they did not adequately address the needs of the district. Option D was the first plan the committee found to be viable and thus it was the first one released for public comment.

Will the final plan be Option D or E?
The committee will meet again this fall to review public feedback, and will likely choose either D or E as is or perhaps with some small variation. It is important to note that school district populations shift over time. These shifts may require adjustments to the plan prior to the fall 2009 implementation. Should such changes be required, they will be communicated via the traditional venues.

What is the timeline for the final decision?
The committee will meet again this fall to review public comment and finalize a recommendation. They will then review the existing middle and high school boundaries. They will be submitting a final recommendation to the Board of Education no later than December 2008.

When will the 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 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. More information related to grandfathering will be available when the final plan is announced. If you do enroll your child in a school outside of your home attendance area, it will be your responsibility to provide transportation to and from the school.

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. As with grandfathering, more information on transfers will be released with the final plan. If you have specific questions regarding your current arrangement, please contact Instruction Services Coordinator Sarah Baker at (269) 323-5162.

What about middle and high school boundaries?
The AASC will be reconvening in the fall of 2008 to review middle and high school boundaries, making recommendations to the Board of Education as appropriate. No changes have been proposed for middle school or high school at this time.

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. We?ve elected to release proposals now so that our community will have a full academic year to prepare for and implement the changes.

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.

How do I comment on the plan?
Comments on the proposed plan should be routed to pivsupport@portageps.org. School officials will monitor this email address throughout the summer months.