School Rightsizing Practice

1. Board of Education Workshop December 16, 2010 7:30 am School Rightsizing Practice

2. Purpose of the Discussion The goal of the discussion is to gather feedback and receive direction from the Board of Education to create uniform practices for rightsizing schools in the district that provide all students with a high quality education.

3. A Declaration of Beliefs and Visions We must ensure that every student, regardless of culture, ethnicity, language, or economic status, has both equal opportunity and equal access to high-quality education evidenced through results of growth and accountability ratings.

4. A Declaration of Beliefs and Visions Equal access to instructional excellence requires adequate and equitable allocation of resources. Mandate for change calls for the following: • HISD will offer a portfolio of schools to meet the needs of its diverse community of students. • Closing achievement gaps requires unequal resources for unequal needs. • Being proactive in the early identification of schools that may have too few students enrolled to provide adequate resources.

5. Definition of Terms Rightsizing The appropriate use of all resources (instructional, financial, facilities, etc.) to provide a high quality educational environment for all students. Capacity Maximum number of students that should be educated in a school facility based on: • Instructional programs (early childhood, science labs, special education classes, career and technical facilities, etc.) • Grade Levels • Permanent and temporary structures, grounds, other common use amenities (cafeteria, restrooms, library, offices, etc.)

6. Reasons for Rightsizing • Availability of instructional programming and student services • Enrollment changes supported by trends and forecasts   • Cost-effectiveness • Facilities • Capacity

7. Discussion Questions • Are there limits to the sizes (minimum and maximum) of schools? Should there be enrollment growth plans for smalls schools and enrollment caps for large schools? • What steps should the district take if reduction in state funding negatively impacts a school PUA resulting in inadequate funds to provide quality educational programs and services? • What direction would you provide us in terms of engaging the community about rightsizing? What is the appropriate timing for communicating with a school community about the need to right-size based on reasons listed earlier?

8. Discussion Questions Next steps?