As we move closer to the fall of 2017 and the opening of North Creek High School, grade reconfiguration and boundary changes, many decisions with far reaching impact must be made. Some—such as naming the new high school or selecting the school’s colors and mascot—are exciting and energizing. Other decisions—such as changing boundaries and realigning school feeder patterns—are much more complex and personal. Wherever a particular decision may fall on this continuum, we are committed to making all recommendations and decisions thoughtfully and with the informed involvement of stakeholder representatives.
Which grade levels will transition to North Creek High School in the fall of 2017 is one such important decision that must be made this fall. This decision has ramifications for boundary adjustments, facility flexibility and capacity, academic programs, student leadership, and extra-
and co-curricular activities and athletics. The High School Grade Reconfiguration Task Force, www.nsd.org/hsgrtf, has studied this issue and recommended to the school board that North Creek open in the fall of 2017 with grades 9-11. The analysis and recommendation to the school board is available on the district webpage, www.nsd.org/northcreekhs.
Opening North Creek with grades 9-11 will provide greater access to academic programs for students, including advanced courses in math, science, humanities, world languages, career and college readiness and other electives. In addition, students will have greater opportunities for leadership and extra- and co-curricular activities and athletics. Opening with grades 9-11 also utilizes North Creek at 75 percent of its capacity in its first year, which will reduce the temporary enrollment spikes at Bothell, Inglemoor and Woodinville high schools as 9th-graders transition to the high school level. By its second year, North Creek will have its full complement of grade levels and first graduating class. Further, enrollment will stabilize at Bothell, Inglemoor and Woodinville by the 2018-19 school year with all high schools at grades 9-12 and boundary adjustments fully implemented.
A decision to open North Creek with grades 9-11 would mean that 11th-graders will have started their high school experience elsewhere. All involved in studying this issue and making this recommendation certainly understand that moving to a new school after 10th grade may be disappointing and difficult for some students. However, these students will also have the privilege of being the reigning upper classmen in an exciting, brand new high school for two years. They will have unique opportunities to shape the culture and identity of North Creek and the proud distinction of being the first graduating class. Should the school board approve this recommendation, we are committed to doing everything possible to make this a smooth and positive experience for North Creek students, as well as for all students across our district affected by boundary changes and grade reconfiguration as we strive to better balance enrollment across our schools and feeder patterns.
The school board is scheduled to take action on the High School Grade Reconfiguration Task Force’s recommendation to open North Creek High School with grades 9-11 at its Nov. 12 meeting. As always, the board welcomes the contributions of parents, students, community and staff as they make important decisions with far reaching impact.
Larry Francois is the Northshore School District Superintendent.
