Is it possible to purchase property from the park to enhance access to FP or BJ?

We definitely agree the park properties could provide a great opportunity to expand the school sites.  In fact, we have had conversations with the City of University City this past week regarding this idea.  At this point, we are in the beginning phases of examining our sites and potential changes.  We plan to explore this option as we fine-tune our ideas.

If Nathaniel Hawthorne has the worst building, why is its rank for replacement only a “B”?  Is the district looking to close NH?  Why is this not spelled out with the options?

Although the site does have good qualities for a new building such as a large parcel of land and multiple points of access from neighboring streets, the major obstacle is the grade of the property.  As you are probably aware, there are drainage issues related to the slope of the land and drainage from the neighboring park.  These issues can be corrected, but at a higher cost than some of the other buildings. 

The outcome of the last community engagement session spoke to building two new schools at Barbara C. Jordan and Pershing, and renovating Jackson Park and Flynn Park.  It will take several years to build the new schools and renovate the other two schools.  Nathaniel Hawthorne will remain open until the renovations/new construction is completed. 

The focus was not to choose which school to close, but to identify which buildings/sites had the preferred qualities to move forward.  The district is charged to pursue the most fiscally responsible choices in relation to renovation/new construction, and unfortunately, NH was not the best suited site or building. 

Please specifically explain the benefits gained by replacing two elementary schools vs. keeping/renovating 2 (option 5) – costs are the same, what do we save?

The costs were similar. 

Option 5 identified the two schools that were best suited for renovation (Jackson Park & Flynn Park) and the best sites for new construction (Pershing & Barbara Jordan).  Jackson and Flynn had the lowest renovation costs. 

Option 6 involved renovating 4 elementary schools.  The problem with this is that Barbara Jordan and Pershing would be extremely expensive to renovate and add building additions and would still yield a final product that would be less than adequate.  If Pershing were to be renovated and an addition were to be added, a large portion of the building would have to be removed.  The remaining classrooms would have to be modified to be made larger to comply with state standards, but some space would be lost due to the layout of the building.  At Barbara Jordan, the gym, library, and cafeteria would need to be replaced.  In order to fit these sections into the building as additions, more of the playground would be sacrificed while making it a sprawling school.  The alternative would be enclose the courtyard area, but that would eliminate all natural light and the existing outdoor access that is currently a benefit.   Both building would still be difficult to navigate and have a less than desirable loading and unloading zones. The renovations would not be equitable amongst all of the elementary schools.

Why are the number of students in the classroom still at 20-25?

Our district makes every effort to keep class sizes at the state recommended desirable, though in some cases it becomes necessary to exceed that number by one or two students.  The range of 20-25, is based on the state recommended desirable levels, which follow.

Grades        Minimum       Desirable

K-2                 25                 20

3rd-4th          27                 22

5th-6th          30                 25

7th-12th        33                 28

Is there data regarding whether having the sixth graders in the elementary schools is successful?  If so, then that data should be presented and factored into the decision.  If not, then efforts need to be implemented immediately to gather the information.

We are currently exploring options that will allow us to update our student information system with a data bank that will allow us to collect longitudinal data on individual students. Presently we are able to examine longitudinal studies of cohort groups only.

Does  Flynn Park have water and mold issues

Flynn Park does have water issues.  We have tested it for mold on several occasions, but the results were negative.

Shouldn’t we look at location of buildings within the district as this will affect transportation costs (ever rising transportation costs)

Yes, the district will address this.  Since the number of elementary schools will be reduced, the elementary school map will need to be redrawn.   We will definitely look into transportation when performing this process. 

How much will renovating Barbara C. Jordan cost compared to rebuilding?  I tend to trust 1951 construction more than new construction – new is not always better

The cost of renovation of Barbara Jordan would be slightly more than building a new building.   This is due to the current layout of the building.  In order to build an addition, we would either have to give up more playground space which would make the school more spread out or build an addition in the courtyard area, blocking off windows in classrooms and making the building difficult to navigate.   Many people feel the same about the "1951 construction” but it also has its flaws.  It was not designed or built to withstand a seismic event.  The current building experienced settlement problems which resulted in damage to the foundation and masonry structure.   Water infiltrates the basement foundation. 

Why is option 7 more expensive than 5 with one less building

Although there is one less building to renovate, the size of the two new schools and the renovated school would need to be significantly larger.   This means more classrooms per building and a larger cafeteria to handle the larger student population.   This accounts for the higher costs.

Has any discussion occurred regarding replacing Hawthorne at the top of the slope instead of the bottom of the slope?  Flynn Park requires a lot of transportation

Unfortunately the top of the slope is on the adjacent park property.  If we built another school on the Hawthorne site, it would require re-grading the entire site to resolve the drainage issues.  This drives up the cost of construction, which made this site less suitable for building a new school.   In regards to the Flynn Park transportation, we would expect that this would change when redistricting occurs.

The architect mentioned that the library needed to be able to serve “multiple functions”.  What functions would that be and for whom?  What “media” in the “media centers”?  Just computers?

The "multiple functions" refers to the fact that modern Libraries/Media Centers host the traditional library, a computer lab, and other equipment such as audio/video equipment, smart boards, as well as additional space for special functions.  The Library/Media Center must be large enough to accommodate these functions, as well as have seating for a minimum of two classrooms of students.   The goal is to keep some of this space flexible for other use.  Book fairs and exhibits are some other things that media centers will host.  This space can also be used for meetings for staff and even after school hours for clubs or community organizations. 

I am concerned that we are not addressing green building upfront.  This is very important financially and morally.

It is the intention of the district to make all of our buildings "greener".  This includes the materials used in construction/renovation as well energy efficient systems such as HVAC, lighting, and water consumption.  More information will be shared with the community regarding our new and renovated building plans as this process progresses.

If we do redo Pershing, can we please replicate the lovely arch over the stage?

It is the intention of the school district and of our architects to give new buildings the same "feel" as the buildings they are replacing.  This includes the interior and exterior of the buildings.  We want to make sure the new schools fit into the communities in which they are located.  We will be sharing our plans with the community so they are informed of the layout and appearance of the new buildings.  The arch above the stage would definitely be considered. 

McNair Adm. Building completely removed from the discussion, so there must be no consideration of change here, correct?  If any change  is considered, it should be part of community engagement

At this point, there is no plan to vacate the McNair Administration Building.  During the phases of construction/renovation, we will be using all of our existing buildings.  The district will be evaluating all remaining buildings and will submit recommendations to the Board of Education.  Community input will be considered when addressing these issues. 

Will geographical location of renovated and newer buildings ultimately be looked at so as to best accommodate families that live in all parts of the district/ (If we’re trying to bring new families, locations will be a selling point or deterrent.

 Yes.  We are currently analyzing the location of our student population and will continue to monitor it.  This analysis and continual monitoring is essential when evaluating our future property needs.  We will definitely look closely at this when considering the sale of any district properties.    

Are there studies that have looked at the size of school and student achievement?  How does this figure into the decision

Like the School District of University City, many districts must consider enrollment and the financial status of the district when they make decisions about school size. While there is research about the impact of school size on school climate, the projected enrollments in the scenarios presented during the community engagement sessions, are comparable to small and large districts in the metropolitan area. Teacher quality is the most significant factor that influences student achievement. Finally, the projected enrollments will allow us to remain within the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education guidelines for student/teacher ratio.

Like the School District of University City, many districts must consider enrollment and the financial status of the district when they make decisions about school size. While there is research about the impact of school size on school climate, the projected enrollments in the scenarios presented during the community engagement sessions, are comparable to small and large districts in the metropolitan area. Teacher quality is the most significant factor that influences student achievement. Finally, the projected enrollments will allow us to remain within the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education guidelines for student/teacher ratio.

Should we further discuss that “other” option of having Jackson Park be a middle school and connect to UCHS?

While the physical proximity of the High School and Jackson Park would be ideal for a middle school/high school complex, this would require either an new facility or an expansive renovation of Jackson Park (class sizes, the cafeteria, the gym, and the library are insufficient for a middle school); the site would also have to accommodate significantly more parking and bus lanes. At this time the cost would be prohibitive. In addition to the prohibitive cost, Jackson Park is on the registry of historical buildings. Any changes must be approved by the historical commission.

Why not 4 new elementary schools?

Four new elementary schools could be pursued, but it would come with a significantly higher price tag.  In order to build four new schools and perform needed projects at the middle school and high school, a bond issue with a tax increase would be necessary.  It is the intention of the district to address the needs of the schools while not overburdening the citizens with an increase in taxes during these volatile economic conditions.

I hear about overstaffing at Central Office level at UCSD.  Is it true that the director of HR has two secretaries?

In addition to the HR Director, there is an Executive Secretary, a Personnel Specialist and a person who coordinates substitutes and does application management.  In comparison with other similarly sized districts, our human resources department staff is very lean.  In addition, we are one of the smaller departments at McNair. 

When was the last time before 2001 the tax levy was raised?  Is 10 years between tax rate rises historically usual?

The District passed a $0.42 tax levy in 1996.  Prior to the 1996 election, a tax levy was passed in 1990.  Typically, Districts seek tax levies every 3 to 5 years.  Of course, that is dependent upon the expenditure growth and the collection of revenue from other sources.

I was out of town for the previous two meetings.  I wonder if there is a “game plan” for academic achievement.  Also, why are abandoning the fairly new childhood center.  Why not build a new high school?

There is a plan for academic achievement. First we are continuing to aggressively implement our Comprehensive School Improvement Plan that has been approved by the State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.     

Next, he Community Engagement Process was designed to elicit recommendations from the community on four imperatives, one imperative is academic achievement.  All of the recommendations including the ones for academic achievement will be presented to the Board for approval in December. Specific plans for the implementation of the academic achievement recommendations and other recommendations will follow after the Board approves the recommendations. The District is prohibited from acting on recommendations prior to the Board's approval. Similarly, no decisions have been made regarding the early childhood center.  Finally, we sought professional advice from leaders in the field of school construction and design. They evaluated all of the schools based on the criteria discussed during the facilities presentation and determined that replacement of the High School is cost prohibitive.

Does the $20 million give us AC at the high school?  Can we start an operating budget endowment fund?

We are exploring the possibility of upgrading our heating and air conditioning systems at the high school.  There are new, innovative, heating and cooling systems that would be ideal.  They are also much quieter than window a/c units.  At this point, we are examining all of the potential projects at the high school.  We want to then work with the community and high school staff to determine the priorities.  The cost of the HVAC systems depend upon the amount of square footage that is heated/cooled, but we are confident that we can make substantial upgrades with the $20 million designated for the high school and middle school.

Why do you invite us if you do not want to answer questions we have?  I was told by Dr. Judy Sclair if I had concerns regarding what was discussed at Monday’s (Julia Goldstein) staff meeting – yet here I am told this is not an open forum for questions.  I asked parents to come to this meeting to voice opinions – which is what I was told could happen.  No salaries from JGECEC are funded by the district – why not leave us in our own building – staffing does not need to be cut here.  Where is Ladue on the salary sheet?

Ladue has a system of merit pay; therefore, they pay their staff members individual salaries as opposed to using the traditional salary schedule.  I believe they are the only St. Louis County school district that uses merit pay for teachers.

Before any action on any of this taken, what is wrong with waiting a little longer to see what may happen with our new president? I totally and completely object to combining the preschool with anything more than kindergarten and even that is questionable.

There are several reasons why we must bring the engagement process to closure. First, the District must address the issues tied to student achievement and finance- immediately.

Next, when we began the Community Engagement Process, the engagement co-chairs assured members of the community that there would be a definitive time line for the process. These assurances were given to address a general concern that this would become "another" protracted process with no specific outcomes. As a result, it is important that we allow the process to work, and it would not be in the best interest of our students to wait until the president elect is inducted in January before we make decisions about these critical issues.

Finally, no decisions have been made about the existing early childhood program. Any decisions made regarding the early childhood program will be based on the best practices for early childhood education.

Regarding taxes – can the levy really be raised without the vote of the people?

The District must seek voter approval for a bond issue, even if the bond issue does NOT increase the tax rate.  Regarding an operating tax increase, the Board currently can raise the rate approximately $0.50 without a vote.  Any increase above this would require a vote.

Special School District services –my child tested out of some of the services for SSD, but he continues to need the one-on-one service.  How will the school accommodate this need?

Without knowing the specifics of your student’s needs, we encourage you to discuss your child’s needs with his teacher and the building principal. Strategies such as individualized instruction, tutoring, etc. may be available to your student.

Can the project be broken into two parts – 1^st High School/Middle; 2nd Elementary?

The project could be broken into these two parts as you are suggesting, but it would create some challenges.  If we deferred all work at the elementary schools until after the High school and Middle School projects were completed, it would spread the project over a longer time span.  We are currently looking at a construction time line of about 5 years.  If we separated the work as you are suggesting, it would add 2-3 years to the schedule.  Since construction costs increase from year to year, our money would not go as far with the extended the construction schedule as it would with the current plan to address all levels (elementary, middle, & high school) simultaneously.

Is the school district still “working/collaborating” with the city to reinforce/encourage new businesses to the community?

The school district has regular communications with city officials and maintains a positive relationship with city government.  Although the school district definitely supports efforts to increase businesses in the community, we are not actively involved in reinforcing or recruiting new businesses. 

What is the estimated transportation added costs?

The future transportation costs will be dependent upon the exact boundaries that we develop when the District is reconfigured.  However, the vast majority of our buses are not close to capacity, so we believe that the costs will not increase greatly when we move to fewer schools.

What tax revenues do we receive from Washington University?

Is this Community Engagement process costing the district $60,000?  That is what I’ve heard

First, we do not receive any tax revenues from Washington University.  They are exempt from property taxes.  Second, the Board did approve an expenditure of $60,000 for the community engagement services.  This was done at the February 21st Board meeting.  Lastly, the percentage breakdown of our salary and benefit expenditures is as follows:

Administration:    12%

Teachers:            66%

Support Staff:     22%

Also, please keep in mind that our budget is available on the District's website.

How much time do Central office staff spend in classrooms to stay grounded in the top priority – Students?  Would you consider the idea of each C.O. staff member (with certification) spending one day per month teaching students?

The majority of the Central Office staff is composed of support personnel who are not certified. They include but are not limited to an accountant in finance, carpenters, and clerical workers (who, for example input student data into the Department of Elementary and Secondary data system). Nine members of the Central Office staff are certified teachers; this includes the Superintendent, the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, the Director of Pupil Personnel, and the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction.