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: Elementary Music (1.0) Elementary art (.5) All field trips Junior High Technology (1.0) Junior Kindergarten.5 Guidance Department Chairs Zeroed building budgets Physical education (1.0) Reduced to ½ Day Kindergarten Elimination of teaming at Junior High Alt. Ed. Liaison Elementary Band/ Orchestra (1.5) …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…) o This 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): ProsCons Potentially reduce class sizes at secondary levelMulti-year plan, fund balance will continue being depleted (3 to 4 years) ~90% of Capital costs are covered by the StatePotential 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): ProsCons 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 classroomTransportation issues created by new elementary configuration (either way) UPK- Students will have access to similar program at reduced cost to the district Lack of control of UPK program/ curriculum 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): ProsCons Consolidated Campus Style SchoolMulti-year plan, fund balance will continue being depleted (4-5 years) Potential staff reduction by 1 at each grade level (K- 6) Fundamentally alters our current model ~90% of Capital costs are covered by the StatePotential 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???