The school district is facing the challenge of balancing school capacities as two new schools are opening while the housing market has slowed. A committee evaluated two alternatives: 1) repurpose an existing elementary school and open the two new schools, or 2) open all three schools. The committee spent nearly 1,000 hours on the process and presented their findings to the school board, which has many questions. Next steps include further meetings between the committee and board and a public forum in December to gather community input before a final decision is made.

1. Boundary Lines
The process and ramifications to
East Fayette Families

2. The Dilemma
5 years ago - Booming housing market

2004 – BOE receives permission for 3 schools

(1 Middle school; 2 Elementary schools)
Today – Slump in housing market (ATL metro)

Two new schools opening (1,200 new seats to fill)


3. The Goal
Goal – Balance all elementary schools so there is

room in each school so it can grow and not be
overcrowded in 5 years
Objectives

Leave capacity in schools with higher growth rates

Balance student populations

No building of another elementary school for several

years; maintain boundaries for at least 5 years.
Disrupt as few students as possible


4. The Process
Data Driven
Never done before in

Fayette County
Use of Kelly Carey – 35

years, nationally
recognized expert
Projected 5 year outlook

Use of NPU –

Neighborhood Planning
Units

5. The Committee/
The Work
28 representatives: 1 from each school

 Nearly 1,000 man hours
 Two alternatives
Repurpose East Fayette Elementary – Open 2

schools (18 schools)
 Open 2 schools (19 schools)

6. Alternative A
(Repurpose EFES)
Pros –

Save millions of dollars on overhead and

salaries with one less school.
 It is
believed by a majority of the committee that due to
the housing market (and future trends) the NEED for a
new school does not exist.
EFES students benefit from attending new

school
Con – Not the intention of the BOE when

asking voters for 2 new elementary schools

7. Alternative B
(Add 2 New Schools)
Pro – Lower student/teacher ratio on the

eastern side of the county.*
 Con - * Capacity % very low in eastern
county schools affecting “efficiency dollars”
(see spreadsheet)

8. What’s Next?
Work Session last night with BOE

Board members have MANY questions

Question viability of closing East Fayette since that was

not brought before the voters (2004).
BOE and Advisory Committee to meet – Nov. 26

(instead of public forum)
Public Forum – pushed back to Dec. 10

Have representative from opposing views within each

subdivision (3 min.)
Include packet if more information is necessary.


9. What’s Next?
Where Does East Fayette Community

Stand?
Poll to know what East Fayette parents desire?

 Will parents be willing to speak at Dec. 10
forum?
Final Thoughts

Have a positive attitude

 Let the process work its course
 Make the best of whatever happens