Academic improvement, economic drivers behind potential reorganization for middle, high schools
Recommendations and options to consider for academic year 2022-23 for addressing enrollment, space, and operations issues at the secondary level were presented this evening at the regular meeting of the South Bend Community School Corporation (SBCSC) Board of Trustees.
One recommendation was the creation of two grade 6-12 junior-senior high schools, which would involve three underperforming middle schools in the district being absorbed into two underutilized high schools. Other options presented were the reconfiguration of an existing high school into a career and vocational center, or a last resort, the closure of one high school.
“ As we prepared for the referendum vote last year, we committed to rightsizing the corporation to focus on improved academic performance and the elimination of under-capacity buildings, said Superintendent Dr. Todd Cummings.
“These recommendations for realigning some secondary schools in the district would maximize opportunities for academic transformation, but before any plan is finalized, I will seek community feedback throughout 2021 through a series of meetings with community groups and other stakeholders.”
Dr. Cummings and others on the corporation’s administrative team plan to meet throughout the year with various community groups, seeking their input, insight, and opinions about what model would best serve students and the community at large.
Under the middle school realignment model option, current middle school students could choose to attend a free standing middle school, attend a 6-12 junior-senior high school, or attend the district’s K-8 school.
If the junior-senior school model is approved, the two grades 6-12 schools would operate as separate schools within one building, with each having its own principals, administrative teams, and teachers.
Final decisions on these recommendations will be made by the Board of Trustees at the end of calendar year 2021.
Contact: George Jones or Susan Guibert; [email protected] or [email protected].