Story posted Friday, March 5, 2010
RT Board Not Ready To Reveal GLC Stance
Members Say They Need More Time To Discuss, Review Study
This is the third in a series of stories stemming from the Dist. 26 Grade Center Feasibility Study final report.
By RICHARD MAYER Assistant Managing Editor
Are River Trails Elementary School Dist. 26 board members avoiding answering the question of whether or not they are leaning toward implementing grade level centers (GLC) district wide?
A majority of the school board is shying away from taking a stance right now, with most stating they need to further review a feasibility study report and/or have more discussion with other individuals on the board.
According to Supt. Dr. Dane Delli, grade level centers, which are organized so all district children in the same grade attend the same school, could be voted on as early as Tuesday, Apr. 6.
One scenario consists of pre-kindergarten through second grade students attending one school, all students in grades 3-5 attending another, and grades 6-8 together in a third school.
Another option would be to remodel Park View Montessori School, which is connected to the administration office, and use it as a Pre-K-K center with Euclid housing grades 1-3, and Indian Grove housing grades 4-5.
Delli said he has had a conversation with Board President Jeff Bradley on possibly implementing GLC's for the 2010-11 school year.
"He (Bradley) has had a conversation with me on what type of timeline is necessary to have this (GLC's) take place in the fall, but nothing real specific."
Delli said he has reinforced his message to the board that if they are thinking about implementing GLC's next year, a decision needs to be made soon so he has enough time to plan.
Board member Tom Fallucca told the Journal he is waiting for a more in-depth discussion to take place on Mar. 16.
"It's hard to say, with all the advantages and disadvantages," said Fallucca on grade level centers. "I will wait to make a decision with my fellow board members."
Fallucca added he expects a decision to be made within the next 30-45 days.
"I understand where parents are coming from but I was elected to make a decision that's in the best interest of the students and taxpayers," added Fallucca.
"There are still questions I would like to see answered and then take it from there," said Donna Johnson, board member. "I would like to see a decision made in the next 30-45 days, but I am not sure if that will happen."
Johnson said she is still leaning toward supporting the concept but wants to hear what other board members have to say before making a final decision.
Board member Alex Carrillo said he also hasn't made up his mind, but he definitely would not want to see GLC's implemented for 2010-11, as he feels there isn't enough time to organize everything that needs to be done such as modifications to buildings, reorganize staffing, and transportation.
Carrillo said he has not made up his mind yet because he wants to hear input from teachers. He said teachers met with the consultant in recent months but the board doesn't have information from those meetings.
"If we don't get that information, I would like to go back and get a 3-5 question survey answered by them on whether or not they are for this concept," said Carrillo. "I want to look back 10 years from now and say I made the right decision."
Board member Donna Nasser, who has children that would be affected by GLC's, said she remains uncertain what her vote will be. She said she also expects a decision to be made within the next 30-45 days.
"I am trying to approach this looking at all facts," added Nasser.
"I'm not in a position to state one way or the other, because it would be a disservice to the process," said Steve O'Mara, board member. "I want to hear from other board members and give the community members another opportunity to speak."
In regards to possibly implementing GLC's next year, O'Mara said it would be very difficult to make changes necessary for the concept to work in such a short period of time.
"I truly am not trying to be evasive," added O'Mara. "I am trying to maintain an open mind and will continue to do so until the end and just let the process play out."
Bradley refused to comment on whether or not he would like to see GLC's implemented for next year and if it was possible to get everything in order in time if the board approves the concept.
"The board needs to talk about it," said Bradley
"I have three elementary age kids and I get it," said Delli, understanding why some parents are opposed to the grade level concept. "No matter how this goes, my job is to make sure the best interest remains for every child."
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