Methacton School District

Enrollment Study Questions

Is it educationally sound to pack our classrooms with 25 students?

Classroom size targets shall not change with the potential school consolidation. It must be stated again that our target sizes will remain the same as they have been for the past several years. With regards to 25 students per section, we currently have class sizes at this level and our students perform considerably well.

Why is the Methacton School District complacent with funding elementary class sizes at 25 students per class while research suggests that smaller class sizes are pivotal for elementary students to learn and thrive? 

The Methacton school district has performed considerably well compared to many of our neighboring districts. The Methacton class size policy has been adjusted and reduces the maximum number of students per section in grades 2-4. Our class size targets have been 22 students per section for grades K-1 and 25 students per section for grades 2-4. These targets have been in place for many years and it is our intent to keep it this way.

Regarding the #1 core value “to focus on what is best for all students - How do you justify the possible class size increase to 25 pupils or more as an educational benefit if even one of our elementary schools were to close?

Class size increases are not proposed as part of this potential plan. When we look at what is best for all students, class size is part of the information we consider. However, class size does not stand alone as the only factor for supporting student success. There are many other things that impact a child’s educational experience. Having great teachers in a classroom and providing necessary support through professional development are other such things that are considered.

Why were these temporary classrooms included in the capacity analysis?

The modular classrooms are considered in the analysis because they are permanent modular classrooms that are currently in use and are owned by the district and can be used in the event of consolidation. These are not temporary classrooms. 

Do we still have excess capacity without the modular classrooms in the elementary schools? 

Yes, there is excess capacity without counting the modular classrooms. Each building, depending on redistricting, will have additional classrooms that can be utilized in the event they are needed. 

Regarding the modulars at Arrowhead and Audubon no longer being needed - Mr. Thompson, did you include these modular classrooms in your totals for the capacity study when they were designated for removal? Can’t we just get rid of them? Or is it your intention to now put elementary kids back into the trailers?

Modular classrooms were included in the capacity study. The question asserts that there were statements that all modular classrooms were designated for removal. This statement has not been made during these recent presentations. The modular classrooms can be removed, replaced or renovated. There is no specific intent to place students in modular classrooms.

Regarding class size that should not exceed … 25 students - Does “should” mean that class size could exceed 25 if the board has a reason [to] close schools?

The district has targeted 22 students for K-1 and 25 students for grades 2-4. Targets mean just this- we plan to these numbers as our limit. Since enrollment in any building changes daily, students leave, students come, the class size number fluctuates. We have transported students to other buildings when class size targets have been reached in order to level out class size in particular buildings when possible. The word should does provide the flexibility should there be an overarching need to adjust if educationally appropriate.

If you “prefer” a class size of 22, then why did all of your studies base assessments of capacity on class sizes of 25? Can we please slow down and look at all of the data that show that classes this size are too large?

Class size projections were for both 22 and 25 students per section average for the purpose of falling within the policy and our class size targets. Presentation slides generally show 3 lines. A red line that indicates the number of students based on current and projected enrollment, a middle line which is green and represents 22 students per section average and then a top-most green line that represents 25 students per section. There are numbers between these lines indicating excess capacity.

A parent testified tonight that there are 27 students in Mrs. Chantry’s 4^th grade class at Eagleville, but MSD data lists 25 students in that class. Please explain that discrepancy.

Mr. Chantry has a class of 25 students as confirmed today (3/4/15).

If your projections are wrong, how would you find the extra capacity in the remaining schools? Would you need even larger class sizes?

The capacity analysis does account for fluctuations in student enrollment. The current capacity with a closure of 1 school building will allow for an average of 22 students per section in the remaining 4 elementary buildings with enough capacity to absorb 267 additional students. There are additional full size classrooms in each building that can accommodate entire sections. When we meet our targeted class size thresholds, we seek openings in other nearby Methacton elementary buildings to level out class size when needed.

What will be the effects on classroom size (increases to 22 or more students per section? At what grade levels?) and availability of space in the other schools if Audubon is closed?

The question appears to suggest that we will increase class size to 22 or more. There may be instances where class sizes are less than 22 in some buildings at some grade levels. In these cases, it would be accurate that any section of less than 22 students will be represented as a potential increase given that our targets have been consistent for some time. The actuals and the targeted sizes do not always match. There are programmatic reasons and student-centered reasons that some classes are below 22 and if those reasons continue to exist following any potential consolidation, then the building principal will address that appropriately. When we speak of class size, we specifically address our targeted maximums. However, there are times that we are under these targets and from time to time are over in order to best accommodate all students' educational needs.

Special Education Questions:

What is the transition plan for Special Needs students, they cannot just be sent into a new classroom without any transition.  It does not work that way with them.  What is the plan and have you given this any thought.  

In the event a building closes, all students will tour their new school and classrooms.  Students who receive special education services will be provided additional opportunities to visit their new schools and classroom(s) to help make the transition smoother for them.  If a decision is made to close a school, it is recommended that each student’s IEP team discuss and develop a plan for the transition based on the student’s specific needs.  

What is the plan for the classrooms for Special needs, Mr. Thomson mentioned that the extra capacity (special needs classrooms) were part of the reason for the possible closures, is there a plan to accommodate and provide sufficient space for the special needs program and what is it. Can there be some transparency provided for these plans. 

All special education classrooms will adhere to Chapter 14 regulations related to square footage and ebb/flow requirements.  Learning Support, Autistic Support, and Communications classes will remain in full-size classrooms as they are today.   Dedicated spaces will be provided to related services providers, such as speech, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.

Were considerations made for the students and their assistants who work for them?

The student’s current IEP would be implemented in the new school.  Current supports and services, including PCAs, as outlined in each child’s IEP will continue to be provided in the new setting.  

What is your plan for special education compliance? 

The district is required by law to adhere to Chapter 14 Special Education Regulations.  This includes square footage, ebb and flow, and caseload requirements.

How will the classrooms and available space in the other buildings be utilized?  Specifically, will there be designated classrooms for speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and special education?  Will each elementary school have the same level of supports for special needs students? 

Dedicated spaces will be available for all special education services (please see #2 above).  Learning Support classes will be available in all buildings.  In keeping with our current practices, special programs, such as autistic support and the Communications Class, will be delivered in designated buildings. 

Curriculum/Student Performance Questions

What impact will school closings have on student scores in the future and in the upcoming PSSAs?

This year’s PSSA will be new and different then in the past years in two main ways: (1) It will be based on the PA Core which will include more complex reading passages and grade level content for both reading and math; (2) There is no longer a separate writing test for students in grades 5 and 8. This year, all students in grades 3-8 will be tested in reading and writing over the course of four tests. The district has been working to prepare all students for these changes throughout this school year. If schools are consolidated, we will continue to provide the same level of educational and support programming that exist today. The district will work as it has in the past to address any impact that any change may bring. 

How can the “Achievement Goal” that was mentioned on the website in 2014 be accomplished with this ongoing scenario of potential school closings?

The educational/achievement goal developed by the Methacton School Board was based upon data presented on the School Performance Profile and states: “Each grade span (3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-12) will improve from the 2012-2013 PSSA/Keystone scores by a cumulative 10% over the next four years.” As this profile encompasses achievement and growth data from the PSSAs and Keystone Exams, the response above applies here as well. 

How will this consolidation plan enhance learning opportunities and outcomes for students at the elementary grades, and reflect the mission statement goal of “challenging students to achieve at the greatest potential and create a vibrant community of learners?”

The work toward ensuring our mission is carried out is something that we have in front of us regardless of school consolidation. With or without consolidation, we will continue to offer curriculum and programs that our community expects and at the level they expect while continuing to make improvements based on our ongoing analysis of their effectiveness.

Are there differences in how the curriculum is delivered at the different schools, and if so, how will they be merged?  How much time will staff be given to work on curriculum changes?

The curriculum in our elementary schools has been consistent district-wide. A curriculum cycle helps to guide the amount of time needed to work on curriculum changes and proposed revisions and allows for continual adjustments to remain in sync with standards. The way in which the district curriculum is delivered in each school/classroom may vary slightly based on interpretations of student data. Curriculum changes/enhancements will be given attention with or without consolidation. There is less need for focus on curriculum changes as part of the potential school consolidation then there is a need for teacher time to collaborate and organize within their new teams.

A major role of our School Board is to maintain strong public schools, yet we’ve seen no data indicating that a school closure will have any educational benefit and a considerable amount of data suggesting it would cause educational harm. Why not slow down and look at the academic ramifications of a school closure?

The closing of a public school is not in and of itself a positive educational outcome. Research behind closing of schools suggests that there is typically not a direct positive impact or educational benefit. However, as we plan to address student and staff needs relative to possible changes, we intend to bring parents and teachers into the mix of our planning and decision making processes. With this being said, not looking at the information (capacity, enrollment, and future capital improvements) before us can be equally problematic to our long term sustainability of programs and services for all students. We have a great school district with great teachers and we have tremendous support from parents and the community. The programs and services provided today require the support of a sustainable financial basis. The consolidation of schools will allow for an improved use of our limited resources. 

 

 

 

Why did the Board seek a study of district’s enrollment and capacity?

The Board and administration regularly track student enrollment as part of the ongoing planning process. This is generally done to address proper staffing levels, for budgetary preparation, and in order to remain in compliance with state and federal enrollment reporting requirements.

In 2007, the Methacton School District began to see a decline in student enrollment. The Board directed the superintendent in April of 2014 to engage an independent consultant to provide a study on enrollment and capacity.

When was the last enrollment study conducted?

In April 2007 there was a Feasibility Study prepared by EI Associates of Harrisburg, PA as part of the required pre-construction process for Skyview. The study presented enrollment and capacity figures which projected an increase in student enrollment over the 10 years following the study, these figures can be seen here. The complete study is available for review in person at the Farina Education Center.

Who/what is the Pennsylvania Economy League?

The Pennsylvania Economy League (PEL) is the outside consultant engaged by the Board for the purposes of conducting a complete study and projection of the district’s student enrollment and capacity. During the Board’s April 22, 2014 meeting, they authorized the superintendent to get professional assistance for an enrollment study. PEL is a recognized leader in this area of research. You can read more about PEL on their website at http://pelcentral.org.

Are the complete enrollment and capacity studies available?

The enrollment and capacity study PowerPoint presentations provided at Board meetings by PEL are posted to the district’s website at www.methacton.org/enrollment. The full enrollment study is posted on the web site. The recommendations based on the capacity study analysis have not yet been finalized. The study, pending final options, has been posted to the website here. The consultant will present recommendations to the Board at the February 23 hearing.

Has the Board already decided to close Audubon and/or Arrowhead elementary school?

No decisions have been made at this time. The hearings are designed to provide the Board and the public information to consider in making a decision.

What is the timetable for any potential closure of schools?

Following the hearings in February, the Pennsylvania Department of Education mandates a 3 month waiting period before the Board may take any action on closing a school. Actions will take place at a public advertised meeting that will be held no sooner than the month of May 2015.

If I am unable to attend the hearing on February 23 or 25, will comment on this topic be taken during the February 24 regular school board meeting at MHS?

Individuals who wish to be heard on the question of the possible closing of Audubon Elementary School and/or Arrowhead Elementary School are encouraged to attend the hearings. The Board has determined that both dates (February 23 and February 25) will be utilized in order to provide ample opportunity for public comment.

The proceedings will be transcribed for the record, and this will ensure that the record is complete. Please note, written comment will be accepted during and after the hearing. The conclusion of the hearing does not prevent new information from being presented, either by the administration, consultant, public, etc.

Does MSD have any policies on class size and what will the impact of any potential school closure do to class sizes?

The Methacton School District has a class size policy that can be found here https://www.methacton.org/cms/lib/PA01000176/Centricity/Domain/50/126.pdf

 

In general, the policy establishes class size maximums for grades K-4, 5-8, and 9-12. In practice, the Methacton School District has average class size targets of 22 for grades K-1 and 25 for the remaining grades. Class size does increase or decrease from time to time based on student needs, special student circumstances, and other limitations.

Class size maximums are established under this policy. As such, this recently updated policy (Dec. 2014) reflects the interest of the Board under these established maximums. Any change in school configuration or school closing would require us to comply with the policy.