TOKAY COLONY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING SEPTEMBER 17,

On March 5, 2013, the Board of Education took action to postpone the decision to close Tokay Colony Elementary School for one year. The entry level enrollments continue to decline: (August 16, 2013 Enrollment Count) K: 6 students4 th : 11 students 1 st : 7 students5 th : 14 students 2 nd : 16 students6 th : 19 students 3 rd : 11 students 2

PARENT FORUM September 5, parents, staff members, and Mrs. Cassel, Board of Education member, were in attendance. A discussion of enrollment numbers and possible new attendance boundaries was conducted. Staff answered questions and recorded feedback. 3

FEEDBACK AND QUESTIONS When must IDA’s be submitted? Transportation and the location of hubs is of great concern What will the class sizes be at the schools the students would move to? What is the projected savings to close Tokay Colony? Could parents choose the preferred school rather than go by an attendance boundary? What are the API’s of Lockeford, Live Oak, and Victor? Could parents choose a school in Linden? 4

Could Tokay Colony be a choice school? Use a parent survey/preference form to determine where parents would prefer their children attend. Concerns were expressed about the distance some students would have to travel to school. Could the Tokay Colony teachers be moved together to the new school? Could Tokay Colony students be placed in straight grade classes in their new school? What will happen to the facility? 5

CONSIDERATIONS If the enrollment trend continues, the school would have approximately 7-8 students per grade level for a total of students. It appears Live Oak and Lockeford are the best options for the Tokay Colony students beginning in , location-wise and preference-wise. 6

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CONSIDERATION Place current Tokay Colony students at either Live Oak or Lockeford per their parents’/guardians’ preference. Establish the attendance boundary for new families. 7

Place current Tokay Colony students in straight grade classes at Live Oak or Lockeford if a straight grade class is available at their grade level (unless the parent makes a specific request for a combination class). Work with Transportation to establish safe hubs for students. In the spring, facilitate a school tour/open house for Tokay Colony families at each school. 8

COST SAVINGS Estimated savings: $127,066 (A detailed budget calculation is attached to the Board item.) 9