Building Utilization - Maximizing Resources, Reducing Costs

As part of our efforts to maximize resources for teaching and learning and reduce expenses, Huron Valley underwent a significant building utilization study during 2006-07 and 2007-08 (Phase I). As a result, Apollo Elementary was closed to K - 5 instruction and repurposed into an early childhood and community center and the Year Round program was consolidated into one building.

After careful consideration of the work done in Phase I, an analysis of current district data, demographic data and continued financial challenges (1.14.10 Budget Update), the Superintendent recommended the following as part of Phase II:

1. Ending the Year Round choice program beginning with the 2010-11 school year.

• Year Round enrollment dropped to lowest level
• Efforts to promote program have not increased enrollment
• Student achievement is consistent between Year Round and Traditional students
• Year Round Students open enrolled can be returned to neighborhood school
• Year Round Program potential savings

2. Close Baker Elementary for the 2010-11 school year.

• District enrollment is declining and Baker has the lowest enrollment by building
• Open enrolled and Schools of Choice students can be moved to other schools
• Student achievement by building
• Potential savings
• Baker students can be moved to least number of schools and closer proximity
            -Option A
            -Option B
            -Option C
            -Option D
            -Option A Grandfather All YR
• Impact of scenarios and projected utilization
• Brooks Elementary closure impacts more students/building capacity
            -Option V1
            -Option V2 
            -Projected utilization
            -Administrative Recommendation
• The impact of closing a larger building was analyzed. Kurtz was used as it is in close proximity to other buildings with excess capacity. At this time, the data shows that closing a larger building would negatively impact capacity across the district.
            -Option Kurtz A
            -Option Kurtz B
            -Projected utilization
            -Administrative Recommendation

3. Conduct a thorough study of middle school building utilization during 2010-11 in order to implement possible changes in the 2011-12 school year

MS Three Year Utilization Projections

Revisions to elementary boundary lines and adjustments in how some schools feed into the middle and high schools may be needed. More information on this will be shared as we move forward on the Middle School Facilities pages.

Although change can be difficult, the true character of our buildings lies in our staff, not in the building itself. We will work closely with those impacted to bring about a thoughtful, smooth and positive transition.

Building Utilization Update 12/22/2010:

We've been asked....How much did the District save by closing Baker?

Original estimated savings-approximately $347,000. Current estimate is greater than anticipated-approximately $376,000 as custodial and transportation costs are less than anticipated thereby increasing the savings.

What about repurposing the building?

The short-term plan, placing a preschool program at the building and using it for Recreation and Community Education classes, ensures the building is used at a minimal level which addresses concerns by community members of leaving an abandoned building while also allowing time to develop a long-term plan. Discussion of a long-term plan is pending while we await the middle school decision.

Phase I

Summary & ParametersPresentation, 6-28-2007Study, 8-16-2007
Update, 11-8-2007

Building Utilization Study purpose and parameters
June 28, 2007 Building Utilization Board presentation
August 16, 2007 Building Utilization Board presentation
November 8, 2007 Building Utilization Board presentation

Phase II

Presentation, 1-25-10 Presentation, 2-11-10
3-Year Facility Plan
FAQ
January 25, 2010 Building Utilization Board presentation on Superintendent's Recommendation