On January 31, we released the draft boundary plan to be implemented along with the opening of North Creek High School and grade reconfiguration in the fall of 2017. The staff, parents, community members and consultants from the Enrollment Demographic Task Force (EDTF) spent many months thoughtfully developing this plan.
From Feb. 9 through March 2, we hosted five open houses attended by well over 300 parents, students, community and staff members to learn about the plan and speak directly with EDTF members and district staff. Between those open houses and our online input process, 450 comments were received. Thank you to all who submitted feedback as we strive to create the best plan possible for our district’s future.
The EDTF is now reviewing all of the input received to assess any adjustments to the plan. While it will not be possible to adjust the plan to meet all needs, I want to assure you that each comment received will be carefully considered.
The EDTF is scheduled to submit a “final draft” boundary plan recommendation to the school board in May. The plan will still be draft as we continue to analyze enrollment trend data, housing starts and other relevant information in the coming months to be sure the plan is based on the best information available. However, the EDTF will not continue to develop different boundary plan options.
If new information becomes available through research or community input that changes the assumptions upon which the plan is based, the EDTF will incorporate that information and adjust the plan as needed. If no new information emerges that affects the underlying assumptions of the plan, the plan submitted in May could very likely be the final plan submitted to the school board in the spring of 2016.
The goal is to finalize the boundary adjustment plan next spring, well over a year in advance of opening North Creek and implementing grade reconfiguration. This will enable transition planning and activities to take place throughout the 2016-17 school year for students, families and staff who will be joining new school communities.
There is no denying that the next few years will bring tremendous change to our district, and we remain committed to helping support families and staff through the transition.
While change can cause anxiety and upset, it can also serve as a source of inspiration, rejuvenation and possibility. I remain excited and positive about the future of our district and all that lies ahead.
More information on the 2017 Boundary Proposal is available online at www.nsd.org/2017boundaries.
Larry Francois is the superintendent for the Northshore School District.
