Options to move MCS
Forward
CONSOLIDATION POSSIBILITIES TO CREATE A FISCALLY SUSTAINABLE
SCHOOL DISTRICT
Where We Are :
o Costs are exceeding revenues in excess of 3 million dollars
o If we do not move to increase efficiency in some way we will be forced to make cuts
o Any future cuts to the current configuration of MCS will yield in either reduction/elimination of
program (s) or increases in class size
If we do nothing….
We will be looking at the items that were
under consideration during last year’s budget
development process, which included:
• Department Chairs
• Zeroed building budgets
• Elementary Music (1.0)
• Physical education (1.0)
• Elementary art (.5)
• Reduced to ½ Day Kindergarten
• All field trips
• Elimination of teaming at Junior High
• Junior High Technology (1.0)
• Alt. Ed. Liaison
• Junior Kindergarten
• Elementary Band/ Orchestra (1.5)
• .5 Guidance
…and that’s the start.
Option 1:
Phase I (To occur as we work on Capital Project)
o Involves development of Capital Project at MCHS
o Look for some possible savings/cuts throughout district efficiency
o Utilizes reserves to offset budget gap until project is complete
Phase II
o Upon completion of capital projects at MCHS, JW Leary to close
o Move Grades 7-8 to expanded MCHS
o Realize savings by position elimination outside of the classroom (i.e. Principal, Nurse, Custodial,
etc…)
oThis will create a potential for real and substantial saving to the district (Approaching 1 million dollars
according to Dr. Fraser’s study)
Option 1 (Pros and Cons):
Pros
Cons
Potentially reduce class sizes at secondary level
Multi-year plan, fund balance will continue being
depleted (3 to 4 years)
~90% of Capital costs are covered by the State
Potential costs of capital project (District
responsible for ~10%)
Cost savings through efficiencies (Personnel and
Physical Plant)
No gain in efficiency at Elementary
Neighborhood schools stay intact (Elementary)
Cuts are realized outside the classroom
Increase program/elective options at MCHS
Decreased transportation time at secondary level
Option 2 (Dr. Fraser’s Plan):
o Grade 8 to MCHS
o Grades 5-7 at JW Leary
o Grades 8-12 at MCHS
o Closure of 1 Elementary Site
o Savings through elimination of teaming concept at JW Leary, efficiency at grades K-6
o Realize some of the savings by position elimination outside of the classroom (i.e. Principal, Nurse,
Custodial, etc…)
o Outsourcing of UPK, elimination of JK
o Potential savings of approximately 1.9 million dollars
Option 2 (Pros and Cons):
Pros
Cons
Immediate Savings (Minimal capital work)
Certification issues in a 5-7 building (Logistical
Issues)
Cost savings through efficiencies (Personnel and
Physical Plant)
Loss of neighborhood schools (Elementary)
Cuts are realized outside the classroom
Transportation issues created by new elementary
configuration (either way)
UPK- Students will have access to similar program at Lack of control of UPK program/ curriculum
reduced cost to the district
Potential reduction to students accessing UPK.
Transportation will not be provided
Option 3:
Phase I
o Capital projects at two sites. One at MCHS and one at Nightengale
Phase II
o Close two buildings
o Pk-3 at expanded Nightengale
o 4-6 at JW Leary
o 7-12 at expanded MCHS
o Closure of second site realizes in excess of 2.5 million in cuts, most of which happen outside of the
instructional areas
Option 3 (Pros and Cons):
Pros
Cons
Consolidated Campus Style School
Multi-year plan, fund balance will continue being
depleted (4-5 years)
Potential staff reduction by 1 at each grade level (K6)
Fundamentally alters our current model
~90% of Capital costs are covered by the State
Potential costs of capital project (District
responsible for ~10%)
Some reduction in transportation costs
Increased time in the class due to decreases in
transportation time
More efficient delivery of services
Our Choices are….
1. Maintain 5 buildings and make reductions. Reduce
program, increase class size and we will still have to utilize
fund balance
2. Option 1: Closure of J.W. Leary and move 7-8 to High
School
3. Option 2: Dr. Fraser’s Plan. Close 1 Elementary site, 5-7
at J.W. Leary and grade 8 to the High School
4. Option 3: Close two elementary sites. PK-3 at
Nightengale, 4-6 at J.W. Leary and 7-12 at High School
Which option works best for our district
and community???