Declining enrollment

Declining State BEP Funding, and anticipate $3 million gap in revenue for 2013-14.

Increased taxpayer cost for fewer students with tax increase this year.   

Capital Cost for Older Buildings is Significant.  Renovations to Colonial Heights  and Sullivan Middle Schools could exceed $15-20 million.


THE SCHOOL BOARD DESIRES PUBLIC INPUT

March 4, 2013       Regularly Scheduled Board Meeting (No action will be taken, but public 
                              comment is welcome).

March 14, 2013     Formal Presentation on Rezoning Alternatives (public comment is
                              welcome, and no action will be taken).

March 28, 2013     Special Called Board Meeting to vote on rezoning alternative (public
                              comment is welcome prior to the vote).


Scenario One - South Zone

• Sullivan South High School will serve grades 7-12
• South zone elementary schools will serve grades PK-6
• Close Colonial Heights Middle School & Sullivan Middle School

Benefit

• Potential savings of $850,000 (includes staff reduction, utility savings, and reduction of a cafeteria).
• Cost avoidance in capital expenditures for major maintenance and repair for both middle school buildings (approximately $20 million).
• Maintain South zone stability for the short term.

Concerns  

• Increased cost for additional facilities (gymnasium, offices, and program separation - approximately $2.5 million)
• Does not substantially resolve the issue of long-term stability.
• School closures affect community.  

 

 

Scenario Two - Central Zone

• Blountville Elementary School expands to include Central Heights students.
• Close Central Heights Elementary
• Transfer Blountville Middle School students to Holston Middle School.
• Close the Rock Building and remove modular classrooms at Blountville.

Benefit

• Potential savings of $800,000 (includes staff reduction, utility savings, and reduction of cafeteria.
• Increase middle school offerings for students.

Concerns

• School closures affect community.

 

 

 

Scenario Three - Consolidate High Schools in Kingsport Area

• South or North will be designated a west zone high school serving students in grades 9-12, and the other school will be the west zone middle school serving grades 6-8.
• Colonial Heights and Sullivan Middle School will closed.

Benefit

• Potential savings of $3.5 - $4 million (includes staff reduction, utility savings and reduction of a cafeteria)
• Increase course offerings and program expansion for middle school and high school students.
• Long-term stability for schools in the Kingsport area.
• Savings will allow for discretionary funds to be used to expand programs for students and provide pay raises for staff.

Concerns

• School closures affect communities.
• Time frame to implement decision.

 

 

Public comments can also be sent to rezoning@sullivank12.net