Where, oh where will 5th grade be?

At the last School Committee meeting, the topic of where 5th grade will be was front and center. There are many factors surrounding the movement of 5th grade back into the elementary schools that are specific to our district that require significant planning and thoughtful process.

The placement of 5th back into the Elementary Schools gives the appearance of improved utilization, making some schools appear more full. This move satisfies some parents desire to keep all 4 Elementary Schools and holds off consolidation temporarily but does not address the significant enrollment decline we are facing, 99 students this year alone. Removing 5th from Broad Rock Middle School creates other complications, amongst them an estimated cost of $450,000 per year in extra teachers and resources (Dr. Hicks presentation).

By removing 5th grade from Broad Rock Middle School the decision will have to be made if the district would like Broad Rock Middle School to be 6th grade ONLY as it was approximately 10 years ago or close Curtis Corner Middle School making Broad Rock Middle School 6th-8th. If Curtis Corner Middle School is to close before any additions presented in the current Stage 2 application can be completed, Broad Rock Middle School will be at approximately 95% functional utilization (stated by Peregrine at 9/25/19 Building Committee meeting). The percentage is high but temporary. However, many parents vocalized disapproval of schools with higher functional utilization when championing the 4 Elementary School model. Temporary classrooms could be used at Broad Rock Middle school to help with capacity issues but high costs of such classrooms were investigated and discussed last year relating to the use of portable classrooms at Curtis Corner Middle School and found to be cost prohibitive, upwards of $1,000,000.

Peregrine recommended that Curtis Corner Middle School be used for over flow from South Kingstown High School while extensive renovations are being made at the high school (9/25/19 Building Committee Meeting). The closure of Curtis Corner Middle School would be delayed significantly if the Stage 2 application moves forward and if the School Committee takes Peregrine’s recommendations regarding student overflow. The Building Committee can only make recommendations to the School Committee in regards to best use of schools while renovations are in process. The School Committee is solely responsible for decisions regarding school use and configuration. An option I do not believe has been openly discussed would be to make two separate 6-8th Middle Schools again like the district fashioned in the early 2000’s.

Redistricting is also a considerable factor and is an absolute necessity when discussing the movement of 5th back into the Elementary Schools. Redistricting should be a focus regardless of where 5th is to address inequities between schools, such as class sizes (ranging from 12 to 23) and staffing. Additionally, bringing 5th grade back and redistricting does nothing to solve the problem of small cohorts and single section grades, which are not good for teachers or students.

A big piece that has not been addressed is the viability of our current Stage 2 application and prospects for RIDE approval. An even bigger issue is voter approval and whether residents feel comfortable spending $75,000,000, especially with how current long term decisions are being made by the current School Committee. The school district should be very concerned after Westerly’s voters rejected their bond for school improvements.

There have been significant rumors circulating at the schools, spread in some cases by teachers and administrators, and within the community regarding placing 5th grade back into the elementary schools as soon as next year. I strongly urge that we focus on our current structure until the School Committee votes on future configuration. The frequent and irresponsible speculations has increased unease and uncertainty with our younger students.

ALL of our students deserve responsible decisions that advance educational opportunities and positively effect the learning environment. We should hope for the best but prepare for the worse. Sad but true…welcome to the convergence of Stage 2 resubmittal, school configuration decisions and a new budget season!