Agenda - 03-25-2002 - 1 - Laserfiche WebLink

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3. What cost duplications might be associated with having two smaller new high schools rather than one larger new high school? Until the programs are better defined, it is difficult to identify all of the duplications. Clearly,there are some duplications if two comprehensive, stand-alone schools are built (e.g. kitchen, cafeteria, athletic fields, media center, etc.). However, the extra amount of space for core facilities certainly isn't double the amount because the size of each of these spaces would be smaller at each small high school. Also, we intend to think creatively about some of these areas, such as the cafeteria and media center. Perhaps a smaller high school does not need such large, dedicated spaces. 4. What options have been examined, and either accepted or dismissed, as a result of the collaboration initiative between OCS and CHCCS related to school space and programming? See February 1, 2002 memo to the Chair of the BOCC on the status of the collaboration committee. 5. Should requests for any new high school space be considered in isolation from the perspective of only the one requesting school system, or evaluated in the context of the need of both school systems.and the overall Orange County community? At this time there are two legally constituted school districts in Orange County and there have been no proposals formally made that would require the merger of the two districts. Consequently, the two districts should be perceived as separate entities with the responsibility to serve all eligible students within their respective jurisdictions. Both districts have indicated a willingness to collaborate when opportunities make this advantageous. A survey will be conducted this spring to determine students' interest in attending programs in the neighboring school district. This will give us a better idea of the potential impact of students being allowed or encouraged to attend schools in the other district. It is neither fair not legal for either school district to compel students to attend a school in a district that does not serve its residents. 6. Should adopted school construction standards be revisited and possibly amended to recognize models other than the 1,000 student and 1,500 student models in the current standards? Yes, if the CHCCS Board of Education approves a plan with a capacity less than 1,000 students, it would be reasonable to develop standards for a school of this size. It should be understood,however, that the school's program may dictate a facility that varies from these standards. The BOE would expect to request Commissioner approval for variations and would make every effort to stay within the budget called for by the standards. 7. What interpretations should be placed on recent high school student membership and projection figures? Do they represent "trends" or "blips". How does one discern the difference and conduct facility planning accordingly? High school membership is easier to project than membership in elementary schools because patterns already have been established in the early grades. Our projections are based on the assumption that past rates of in-migration will continue. The high school projections definitely reflect trends,not blips. Admittedly, trends can change to some extent. That is one of the advantages of the smaller high school model. The chances of over-building are minimal because they are built in smaller units.