A volunteer committee on Tuesday presented some possible options for boundary modifications, school consolidations, and educational program changes that would take effect starting in the 2025-26 school year. Members of the PSD Facilities Planning Steering Committee gave the first of its three presentations to the Board of Education, seeking initial input from board directors.
Possible options being considered
The committee’s first drafts of possible options are posted on the PSD Facilities Planning Steering Committee web page under the Long-Range Planning web section.
The possible options are NOT yet finalized, meaning the list of possibly impacted schools may continue to change.
Our PSD community, collectively, is sitting in discomfort, not knowing what is going to happen with this process. All feelings are normal and valid, and people have an opportunity to share their thoughts.
How you can weigh in, virtually and in-person
Possible options will be presented at listening sessions that begin March 20. A schedule is available on the Listening Sessions and Community Engagement web page.
Listening sessions are open to staff, families, students, and community members and follow the same format; this includes an overview presentation, followed by small-table conversations and a questionnaire. In-person listening sessions are not livestreamed, but there will be an online listening session on March 27.
Those unable to attend a listening session will have an opportunity to watch a recording of the committee’s March 19 presentation and submit feedback through an online questionnaire. Links to the recording and questionnaire will be posted March 20 on the Listening Sessions and Community Engagement web page.
Here's what happens next
Committee members will garner input at listening sessions, through a communitywide questionnaire, and by engaging with students. The committee will continue refining possible options throughout this process; its first draft presented March 19 will likely change over time.
The committee is scheduled to meet for a regularly scheduled meeting on March 26, and then make presentations to the school board again on April 23 and May 28.
School board directors are hosting two listening sessions from 5:30-10 p.m. April 16 and June 4. Board members are scheduled to vote on the committee’s final 2-3 recommendations at the June 11 board meeting.
Why we are doing this now and why it's necessary
Yes – we can’t wait any longer to do something. PSD has been experiencing declining student enrollment for multiple years and is projected to lose about 10% of enrollment in the next several years.
That translates to a roughly $40 million problem over the next five years – or a loss of about $8 million per year. In a district where roughly 85% of the budget goes to pay for people, that is significant.
A good portion of that $8 million currently goes to support schools that are underenrolled. We must right-size our school district now to remain healthy and sustainable for years to come.
This isn’t the only way PSD is addressing this financial reality. Schools and departments are looking for possible efficiency as part of the annual budgeting process.
The PSD community is going through a significant period of change, and we recognize that everyone will feel differently. As we go through the next few months together, our goal is to maintain supportive and welcoming school environments so our students can continue their learning.
Thank you for your continued partnership.