February 15, 2013
Dear Northshore Families,
Since last October, I have met with 54 staff, parent and community groups to share information about the enrollment growth we are experiencing in the north/central corridor of the district and the School Board’s unanimous decision to pursue construction of a new high school, grade reconfiguration and related boundary adjustments in response to those challenges. I want to thank all who have attended these meetings and provided feedback, as well as those who have viewed a similar presentation posted on our website at www.nsd.org.
A fourth comprehensive high school, grade reconfiguration and the related boundary adjustments represent significant change for our district. That is why it has been personally important for me to meet with as many of you as possible. My goal is to assure awareness and understanding of our north end enrollment challenges and how the proposed solution meets those challenges while also benefiting the instructional programs across our district.
As we move forward, there will be critical actions, decisions and mileposts to turn these plans into reality. Between now and next fall, we will finalize the ballot measures to recommend to the School Board for a February 2014 levy/bond election. A successful bond measure is necessary to fund the new high school. In addition, we are in the design and permit process so that we can be “shovel ready” as soon as possible to provide much needed relief to our most overcrowded school communities. Further, we will be creating task forces to begin the process of adapting our instructional programs and offerings as we plan for grade reconfiguration. Finally, we will be conducting further study and analysis for the School Board on potential consolidation of eastside elementary schools with declining enrollment that would become even smaller with grade reconfiguration.
Our hope is to open a new high school and implement grade reconfiguration and the related boundary adjustments in the fall of 2017. While that may seem like a long way off, the time will pass quickly. My commitment is to do our very best over the next several years to make this a smooth and successful transition. I will continue to provide periodic updates in this letter and welcome your ongoing participation and feedback.
