Understanding the ABRSD Reorganization Options: A Guide for…

3.1.5 Option 6: Consolidate to 3 Larger K-6 Schools ●​ Key Features: ○​ Consolidates from 4 buildings to 3.

○​ Reduces the number of schools from 6 down to 3 larger K-6 schools. ○​ Students are reassigned to one of the three consolidated schools.

●​ Main Benefit: This option generates significant operational and administrative savings, streamlines district operations, and preserves the K-6 model, which supports continuity for students. ●​ Main Drawback: This would be a significant short-term upheaval, and families tied to their current school identities may strongly resist the consolidation. Some may feel that larger schools are less personal. ●​ Cost & Sustainability: Provides significant long-term savings ($700K–$800K) that create financial capacity for reallocation to other district priorities. This option has Greater Sustainability . 3.2 Category 2: Options Focused on Changing Grade-Level Groupings 3.2.1 Option 5: Reconfiguration through Grade-Level Bands ●​ Key Features: ○​ Consolidates from 4 buildings to 3 and from 6 schools to 5. ○​ Moves from a K-6 model to schools organized by grade-level bands. Two versions are proposed: ■​ Full Grade-Band Model: Blanchard would become a PreK-K early childhood center, Douglas/Gates would house grades 1-3, and McCarthy-Towne/Merriam would house grades 4-6. ■​ Hybrid Model: Blanchard would remain a K-6 school, while the other buildings are split into K-3 (McCarthy-Towne, Douglas) and 4-6 (Merriam, Gates) schools. ●​ Main Benefit: Allows for highly targeted instruction and specialized staff tailored to specific developmental stages. It also creates a more equitable experience, as all students progress through the same sequence of schools. ●​ Main Drawback: This model increases the number of school transitions for students, which can be disruptive. Families may resist losing the traditional K-6 community model, and busing times may increase. ●​ Cost & Sustainability: Avoids major renovation costs. Creates long-term operational efficiencies ($400K–$500K) and opportunities to reallocate staff resources ($700K–$800K). This option has Greater Sustainability .

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