School Consolidation


Introduction

The Alum Rock Union School District (ARUSD) is facing a challenging time due to a significant decline in student enrollment and the expiration of temporary COVID relief funds. To address the projected $20 million budget deficit, the district is beginning the difficult process of consolidating schools. Our district funds are currently spread across school facilities that are underutilized; by reallocating our resources, we can better support essential programs that foster academic and personal growth for all our students.

In order to incorporate thoughtful collaboration and meaningful participation from across the district on school consolidation, Alum Rock Union School District established a Superintendent’s School Consolidation Advisory Committee. This committee was comprised of one parent representative from each school, school administrators, labor representatives, partner programs, and district staff. Over the past month and a half, the committee met for eight separate meetings and engaged in difficult conversations about how the district could consolidate and close schools while best serving our community.

We understand that school consolidation can feel unsettling for families and staff, and we are committed to being transparent and keeping you informed throughout this process. This webpage will provide regular updates, important dates, and key information shared with the committee.

Rationale for School Consolidation

The district has been experiencing a steady decline in student enrollment, dropping from over 10,000 students in 2015-16 to a projected 7,270 students in 2024-25. This decline, coupled with the expiration of temporary COVID relief funds, has resulted in a $20 million budget deficit. The consolidation of schools will allow ARUSD to focus its resources more effectively, ensuring that students continue to receive a high-quality education despite the financial challenges.

Criteria for Recommendations

These decisions were guided by specific criteria to ensure thoughtful, equitable outcomes that prioritize the well-being of our students. The criteria for these recommendations included an equity analysis to assess impacts across the district, as well as a review of enrollment trends, proximity to charter schools, the condition of existing facilities, recent renovations, the presence of special programs, and total projected cost savings needed to meet fiscal requirements. Further details on these criteria and their impact will be shared at the public hearing on November 14, 2024.

In addition to school consolidations and closures, the District is also substantially reducing staffing levels across the district to help close this budget shortfall. These recommendations ensure that the district meets fiscal solvency requirements set by the California Department of Education and the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team (FCMAT) from the Santa Clara County Office of Education.

Please note, for a smooth transition, in the 2025-2026 school year, families will have the option to apply to transfer to any other school in the district of their choice, subject to school capacity.

Schools Recommended for Closure

School Receiving School(s)
Aptitud Community Academy at Goss Ryan STEAM Academy (Grades Transitional Kindergarten - TK-5)
Renaissance Academy at Mathson (Grades 6-8)
Donald J. Meyer Elementary School Hubbard Media Arts Academy
Horace Cureton Elementary School Linda Vista Elementary School
Joseph George Middle School Sheppard Middle School
Lyndale Elementary School Russo / McEntee Academy
Ryan STEAM Academy
- Special Education Autism PK program will be transferred to San Antonio Elementary
Renaissance Academy at Fischer Ocala STEAM Academy
- Students interested in continuing the Renaissance model may transfer to Renaissance Academy at Mathson
Sylvia Cassell Elementary School Dorsa Elementary School

Schools Recommended for Consolidation (Not Closure)

School Consolidation School
LUCHA Academy San Antonio Elementary School
Painter Elementary School Sheppard Middle School
- Students in the Vietnamese Dual Language Immersion program will consolidate with Sheppard Middle School

Millard McCollam Elementary
- Students in the Structured English Immersion program will attend Millard McCollam Elementary
 

Schools Recommended for Redesign

School Redesign of School & Student Reassignment
Chavez Early Learning Center Chavez Early Learning Center (Ages 0 - Preschool Age)
- Students in the Chavez Early Learning Center will continue at Chavez through the partnership with Kidango.

San Antonio Elementary School (Grades TK & K)
- Students in Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten will be reassigned to San Antonio Elementary School
 

Process and Timeline

The school consolidation process is designed to ensure thorough analysis and community input. We want everyone in our community to understand each step along the way and know when important decisions will be made.

1. Committee Formation (August 2024):

  • The School Consolidation Superintendent’s Advisory Committee was established, including district administrators, labor representatives, and one parent representative from each school. This committee will help guide the process by reviewing critical data and providing thoughtful recommendations.

2. First Committee Meeting (September 18, 2024):

  • During the initial meeting, the committee reviewed the district’s financial challenges, the impact of declining enrollment, and the need for school closures. Members began discussing potential budget solutions and established norms for the committee’s future work.

3. Data Review and Criteria Development (September 24, 25, and October 2, 2024):

4. Prioritization and Final Committee Recommendations (October 8, 9, and 30, 2024):

  • The committee has recommended a total of 13 schools for closure consideration. From this, the superintendent will develop a recommendation on closing 8 schools and consolidating 2 to present to the Board of Trustees. The recommendations will be reviewed to ensure they meet fiscal solvency requirements set by the California Department of Education and the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team (FCMAT) from the Santa Clara County Office of Education. The superintendent will plan to share the final list of 8 schools that will be recommended for closure and 2 schools that will be consolidated on Monday, November 4th, 2024.

  • Following this, the superintendent will begin meeting with families and staff at the schools recommended for closure to share the proposed plan and gather feedback. These meetings will take place before any public hearings are held.

  • A summary of October 8 & 9, 2024 meetings

5. Town Hall Meetings:

  • Town Hall meetings will be held for the parents and staff at each of the schools that are recommended for closure. Invitations for these meetings will be sent directly to the school community. For the privacy of our families and staff and for open free expression, media partners are asked to not attend.

6. Public Hearing (November 14, 2024, 5:30 p.m.) and Board Information Meeting (November 21, 2024, 5:30 p.m.):

  • After meeting with families and staff, the superintendent will present his formal recommendations to the ARUSD Board of Education during a public hearing on November 14. The board will also have an information meeting about school consolidation on November 21.

7. Board Decision (December 2, 2024, 5:30 p.m.):

  • The ARUSD Board of Education will make the final decision on school closures at this board meeting. Their decision will be informed by the committee’s recommendations, the superintendent's proposal, and feedback from the community. The Board of Trustees meeting will include the presentation and action on the Fiscal Stabilization Plan to ensure fiscal solvency for the next three years.

8. Additional Information for Schools on Transition (Beginning January 2025):

  • Once the Board makes its decision, the district will begin working with affected schools, families, and staff to ensure a smooth transition. Town hall meetings will be held with each impacted school, and the district will provide support for students and staff as they adjust to the changes. Our focus will be on making this transition as smooth as possible for everyone involved.

  • Staffing and Bargaining Units: ARUSD administrators will meet with bargaining units regarding the effects and impacts of school closures, as well as criteria for staff allocations, will occur after the board decision. This process will comply with collective bargaining agreements and Education Codes.

  • Staff Allocation Information: Additional information on staff allocations and school placements will be shared as it becomes available.

Stay Informed

We know this process raises many questions and concerns, and we are committed to keeping you informed every step of the way. This School Consolidation webpage provides ongoing updates, including:

  • Presentations and Meeting Materials: You’ll be able to access all presentations and data shared with the advisory committee, such as budget information, enrollment trends, and facilities assessments.

  • Timeline and Updates: Key dates and milestones will be regularly updated so you can stay informed about upcoming meetings and decisions.

  • Community Engagement:Information about upcoming town hall meetings and opportunities for families and staff to provide feedback will be posted.

  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):A dedicated FAQ section will be linked on this page and will be continually updated throughout the process to address common concerns and provide clarity on key issues.

We understand how important your child’s school is to your family, and we are here to support you through this process. Our goal is to be as transparent as possible and to ensure that any changes made ultimately serve the best interests of our students and community.

For questions or additional information, please contact us at inform@arusd.org. Thank you for your ongoing support and understanding as we work together to secure a bright future for ARUSD.

Upcoming Event:

Each school site will have an in-person Town Hall at their school site - communication will be shared from each school site principal. Please note, to encourage open conversation and dialogue, with families at the meeting, these meetings are only for students, staff, and families.

Additionally, ARUSD will be hosting Zoom Town Hall Meetings open to our students, staff, and families. You will find information about the upcoming meetings below:
 

  • Thursday, November 7, 2024 - 6:00 PM - Zoom Link is available on ParentSquare

 

Alum Rock Union School District School Consolidation: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Last updated: November 5, 2024

We understand that the school consolidation process raises many questions and concerns for staff, parents, and the community. This FAQ provides detailed answers to frequently asked questions to help clarify the process, its impacts, and what you can expect moving forward. The FAQ will be regularly updated as the process continues and new questions arise.

 


Budget

  1. What is the District’s current fiscal condition?
    The District is projecting a $20 million shortfall in the Unrestricted General Fund for the 2024-25 fiscal year. Without significant reductions, the District will be bankrupt by the end of the year, risking a state takeover and the potential loss of local control. FCMAT (Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team) is currently conducting a fiscal health risk analysis (FHRA) to determine the fiscal viability of the District.

  2. What is causing the budget shortfall?
    The budget shortfall is largely due to a significant decline in student enrollment. ARUSD has too many schools for the number of students it serves, compounded by a steady loss of students to charter schools, families moving out of the area, and lower birth rates. The district had 16,000 students in the early 2000s, but enrollment has dropped to 7,300 in the 2024-25 school year.

  3. Given the declining enrollment, why weren’t schools closed earlier?
    The District delayed school closures due to the influx of temporary COVID relief funds, which helped offset the financial strain. However, these funds were fully exhausted at the end of the 2023-24 fiscal year. Additionally, the state faces its own financial challenges and has passed some of this burden onto school districts.

 


Schools

  1. When will school closures and consolidation happen?
    School closures and consolidation will take effect in the 2025-26 school year. The Superintendent’s School Consolidation Advisory Committee has recommended a total of 13 schools for closure consideration. From this, Superintendent Cerda provided a recommendation on closing 7 schools, consolidating 2 schools, and redesigning 1 school to present to the Board of Trustees. The recommendations will be reviewed to ensure they meet fiscal solvency requirements set by the California Department of Education and the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team (FCMAT) from the Santa Clara County Office of Education.

  2. Is there an initial list of schools considered for closure?
    The advisory committee considered 13 schools for closure: Aptitud, Cassell, Cesar Chavez Learning Center, Cureton, Joseph George, Hubbard, Linda Vista, LUCHA, Lyndale, Meyer, Painter, Renaissance at Fischer, and Renaissance at Mathson.

    Superintendent Cerda is recommending for closure: Aptitud Community Academy at Goss, Donald J. Meyer Elementary School, Horace Cureton Elementary School, Joseph George Middle School, Lyndale Elementary School, Renaissance Academy at Fischer and Sylvia Cassell Elementary School.

    Superintendent Cerda is recommending for consolidation: LUCHA Academy and San Antonio Elementary School, along with combining Painter Elementary School with Sheppard Middle School and Millard McCollam Elementary.

  3. How many schools may close and consolidate?
    The ARUSD Board of Trustees decided at its May 21, 2024, meeting to close six elementary schools and three middle schools, pending a formal recommendation from the SCAC. The Board will make the final decision on December 2, 2024.

  4. When will the names of the schools to be closed be announced?
    The final decision will be made at the December 2, 2024 meeting of the ARUSD Board of Trustees, based on the Superintendent’s recommendations for closing 7 schools, consolidating 2 schools, and redesigning 1 school./p>

  5. If my child’s school is closed, where will they go? Where will their teachers go?
    If a school closure is approved, ARUSD will work closely with families to ensure a smooth transition to new schools. During this transition, in the 2025-2026 school year, families will have the option to apply to transfer to any other school of their choice in the district through an Intra-District Transfer. These transfers will be approved, subject to school capacity. Support services will be available to help students adjust.

  6. Will special programs continue if schools are closed or consolidated?
    Yes, specialized programs, including special education and enrichment programs, will continue. If a school housing a specialized program is closed, that program will move to a nearby school where students are reassigned, ensuring uninterrupted access to these services.

  7. Will my child still receive special education services if their school is closed?
    Yes, special education services outlined in a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) will continue at their new school. The District is committed to ensuring no disruption in services for special education students.

  8. What will happen to the closed school sites?
    The District will follow a separate process to determine the future use of closed school sites. The ARUSD Board has discussed options including leasing or selling the properties to interested organizations, businesses, or local governments. This process is expected to begin in 2025, and a separate advisory committee will oversee the next steps.

 


Programs, Services, and Support

  1. How will students, families, and staff be supported during the transition?
    ARUSD is focused on making this transition as smooth as possible with minimal disruption. We will develop a comprehensive plan to ensure all students, families, and staff are supported during the transition. This includes working closely with school site leaders and central office staff to address any concerns and provide access to support services for students and families.

  2. Will my child receive the same programs, services, and support at their new school?
    Yes, students will receive the same or improved programs, services, and support at their new school. The District will maintain its commitment to providing high-quality educational opportunities at all schools.

 


School Closure Advisory Committee (SCAC) Process

  1. What is the role of the School Consolidation Advisory Committee (SCAC)?
    The SCAC was responsible for reviewing and analyzing the District’s school sites and making recommendations for which schools should be closed or consolidated. The committee presented its findings to the Superintendent, who will then make formal recommendations to the ARUSD Board of Education.

  2. Who was part of the SCAC?
    The SCAC is composed of one parent from each school site, labor union representatives, community partners, district administrators, and Executive Cabinet members. The Superintendent and Executive Cabinet members serve in a support capacity without voting privileges.

  3. Who makes the final decision on school closures?
    The final decision on school closures will be made by the ARUSD Board of Trustees on December 2, 2024, after considering the SCAC’s report and the Superintendent's recommendations.

  4. What is the expected timeline for the SCAC’s work?

  • September 6, 2024: Committee selected

  • September 18, 2024: Norms, budget presentation

  • September 24, 2024: Demographic and facilities information review

  • September 25, 2024: Program information and HR review

  • October 2, 2024: Criteria development

  • October 8-9, 2024: Prioritization of schools for closure

  • October 30, 2024: Committee recommendations and announcement to staff

  • November 14, 2024: Public hearing (Board Meeting)

  • November 21, 2024: Board information meeting

  • December 2, 2024: Board action and final decision


For the Staff

  1. What will happen to teachers and staff at the schools that are closed or consolidated?
    After the Board’s decision, ARUSD and bargaining units will meet to discuss the effects and impacts of closures, including criteria for staff allocations. Additional details on staffing and school placements will be provided as the process moves forward, in alignment with collective bargaining agreements and Education Codes.


For the Community

  1. Why is ARUSD consolidating schools now?
    ARUSD is consolidating schools due to a significant decline in enrollment and the resulting $20 million budget shortfall. The District cannot afford to maintain its current number of schools without state funding, and consolidation will allow ARUSD to operate more efficiently while continuing to provide quality education.

  2. How can I stay informed about the school consolidation process?
    You can stay informed through the ARUSD School Consolidation webpage, which includes regular updates, meeting materials, and a detailed timeline. In addition, ParentSquare will be used to send updates, and town hall meetings and public hearings will offer opportunities for the community to ask questions and provide input.

  3. How can the community provide input?
    The community is encouraged to participate in town hall meetings and public hearings scheduled throughout the fall. Dates and locations will be posted for parents and staff via ParentSquare.

  4. What will happen to the closed school sites?
    The District will explore options for repurposing or leasing the closed school sites to generate revenue. Potential uses include educational programs, community services, or leasing the properties to local businesses. This process will involve community input and careful consideration by the ARUSD Board of Trustees.

  5. Staffing Transition:
    ARUSD administrators will meet with staff bargaining units regarding the effects and impacts of school closures, as well as criteria for staff allocations, will occur after the board decision. This process will comply with collective bargaining agreements and Education Codes.

 


For additional questions, please contact us at inform@arusd.org. We are committed to keeping you informed throughout this process and welcome your feedback.