Unit 5 is working to address disparities in how to fully utilize its facilities in the future.
In a capacity study the school board reviewed earlier this year, it was established that while some schools are full or nearly full, others operate well below capacity. Carlock Elementary, for instance, has an especially light enrollment and has been targeted for potential closure in the past.
The district has utilized multiple strategies to handle an ever-expanding base of students, including portable classrooms and revising existing spaces.
On Wednesday, the board discussed a long-term planning measure in the form of Open Attendance Areas [OAAs]. Normally, the home location of a student determines what school will be attended, but OAAs modify the assignment process, allowing the district to select specific areas where multiple school assignments are possible.
In Unit 5, six OAAs currently exist, largely focused on evening the balance between Unit 5's elementary schools.
At the board's Wednesday meeting, a seventh was identified — an area currently under residential development in south Bloomington that would traditionally send students only to Cedar Ridge Elementary. As an OAA, it also will send students to Pepper Ridge and Fox Creek schools.
While no one yet lives in this under-construction area, superintendent Kristen Weikle said it’s important to plan for the new students it will bring.
“We know Cedar Ridge is really at capacity or nearing capacity. In fact, we’re adding two portable trailers there this year to give us four classrooms,” Weikle said after the meeting.
“Because we know we’re limited on space, we needed to be proactive to have other school options available for students and families."
District officials work with families in OAAs to determine which students are best suited for which school.
Handbooks review, YouthBuild partnership
Also Wednesday, the board debated for some time over whether to delay reviewing school handbooks for the upcoming year. The board has no obligation to review student handbooks, but routinely does so in the interest of remaining involved and informed with school environments.
Some preferred the idea of waiting until August, when any legislative changes could be accounted for. Ultimately, the board did approve this year’s handbooks. Weikle said no legislative changes are expected to shift the handbooks’ language before school starts.
In another matter, Unit 5 extended its partnership with YouthBuild’s charter school for another five years.
YouthBuild works to provide education, vocational training and resources for at-risk youth with barriers to accessing school in the usual manner. The charter school’s current enrollment is 30 students.
