Planning for the Future: Superintendent’s Acceleration Agenda Phase II: Strengthening Operations Presentation to the Boston School Committee May 8, 2008

2 The Acceleration Agenda Goal: Boston Public Schools must provide an excellent education not just for some students, but for all. Key priorities: Academic excellence for all Safety nets for struggling students Focus on graduation and college/postsecondary education Organizational structure aligned to academic goals Phase I: Academics (January 2008)

3 The Acceleration Agenda Goal: Boston Public Schools must leverage and maximize resources to support academic programs and improve student achievement. Key priorities: Improve customer service Support academic objectives Strengthen operational efficiency Secure and leverage financial resources Phase II: Operations (Spring 2008)

4 Context and Opportunity Declining school-age population, lower enrollment Aging and under-utilized facilities Limited state and federal funding Complex student assignment and school choice process Increasing transportation costs Increased market competitiveness What is the context in which we operate? How can we do better? Context

5 Context and Opportunity What do our families want? What are our priorities? Greater flexibility for new and expanded educational programming Investment in early education (Montessori, K1) Seamless educational experience (K-8 pathways) Equitable distribution of special education, English Language Learners, and Advanced Work Classes Arts, music, athletics, and enrichment programs Alternative education options for off-track students Expansion of innovative programs (International Baccalaureate, Newcomers Academy) Extended day and after-school programming Opportunities

6 Components of Phase II Facilities: Conduct a comprehensive assessment of all facilities with the goal of reprogramming schools based on academic objectives, student needs, equitable distribution of programs across the district, and resource availability. Transportation: Analyze and implement enhanced routing options and other opportunities to maximize operational efficiencies. Finances: Design and institute a multi-year budget planning process and establish an Institutional Advancement Office to identify and secure new resources for the district’s priorities. Over the next 8 months, we will focus on the following areas to identify and implement short- term and long-term improvements:

7 Timeline Complete and present comprehensive analyses of facilities/academic programming/student needs data to prioritize opportunities for reprogramming Solicit input from students, families, staff, and affected stakeholders around potential opportunities for reprogramming Develop preliminary recommendations for School Committee review Implement short-term, immediate transportation savings Develop framework and process for multi-year budget planning Launch Institutional Advancement Office By September 2008 School Committee action on facility reprogramming for school year By October 2008 Continue analyses of transportation based on facility reprogramming recommendations By December 2008

8 Questions for Consideration Facilities 1. What facilities have significant deferred maintenance and repair needs? What are the costs associated with this? What sources of funding are available? How should these be prioritized? 2. What current programs (alternative education, ELL, special education, K1, K-8, early education, AWC) need additional space? What is the capacity of these programs and by zone, based on student population? 3. If the district added new programs (International Baccalaureate, additional enrichment), what would be the unique facilities requirements? Where would they be located, and why?

9 Questions for Consideration Facilities (continued) 4.Which schools are over/under capacity? What schools routinely have a high waiting list? 5.What is the capacity of schools by zone based on student demographics? 6.What additional criteria should the district consider before reprogramming schools? Academic performance Progress in closing achievement and access gaps Overchosen vs. underchosen schools Long-term enrollment projections Individual characteristics such as start time, accessibility to before- and after-school programs

10 Questions for Consideration Transportation 1. What are the major drivers of transportation costs? 2. What opportunities exist for short-term, immediate savings? (example: routing, tiers, etc.) 3. How will expansion of special programs or facilities reprogramming affect transportation costs? What are the trade-offs? 4. How does student assignment affect transportation? What other assignment options should be considered? How does facility reprogramming affect student assignment and transportation? Finances 1. What changes in district practices are needed to begin multi-year budgeting? 2. What are the benefits and trade-offs of consolidating and sharing BPS functions with other City departments? 3. Identification of short- and long-term resource priorities for the Institutional Advancement Office