FILE:  FDBB-R

RETIREMENT OF FACILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Procedures

  1. Alternatives to closing a school shall be considered. These may include:

  1. Changing of boundaries, effect upon enrollments in school affected by changes;
  2. Shifting of programs from one building to another; and

  3. Housing of new program(s) in building under consideration.

  1. Factors that shall be examined when considering a school for closing include the following:

  1. Enrollment and program

  1. Enrollment size in relation to that needed to provide quality of educational programs and services;
  2. Enrollment projections indicative of continued small student population, taking into account both neighborhood students and others;
  3. Effect upon programs for students in all schools affected by the closing;
  4. Relationship to integration efforts;
  5. Proximity of the school to community resources; and

  6. Relationship to sector plan for special education and feeder plan for regular attendance centers.

  1. Community considerations

  1. Attitudes toward reducing the number of attendance units and reducing costs;
  2. Hardships and/or benefits to parents and/or students resulting from closure; distance from where students reside to schools where assignments would be made;
  3. Reactions on the part of parents and other school patrons; and

  4. Effect upon the neighborhood in the event of closure.

  1. Building characteristics

  1. Age and condition of building including whether or not building is energy efficient;
  2. Adequacy of building for programs; existence of multi-purpose room and/or other special areas; feasibility of replacement or additions, if needed;
  3. Suitability of the building for other uses; and

  4. Capacity of buildings in adjacent attendance areas; space to house additional students.

  1. Environment factors
  1. Adequacy of the building in terms of student health and safety;
  2. Frequency of vandalism and amount of damage;
  3. Location and size of site; and

  4. Traffic hazards and/or serious deterrents to learning in the surrounding community.

  1. Financial considerations

  1. Staffing requirements;
  2. Food service and student transportation requirements and expenses resulting from closure;
  3. Comparative per student operating costs related to status quo;
  4. Value of property for other uses; and

  5. Saving which might accrue by reducing the number of attendance units.

  1. Parents and other school patrons shall be involved early in discussions pertaining to possible school closings and program relocations.
  2. Use may be made of outside consultants when considering school closings.
  3. An orderly procedure, including the provision of information to all who will be affected, shall be used when closing a school. Parents shall be informed in advance regarding recommendations and possible board action.
  4. Boundaries shall be arranged when a school is to be closed, taking into account distances from other schools, traffic patterns, building capabilities, enrollments, and programs.
  5. Time shall be provided for adequate preparation for closing and reassignment of students and staff members.
  6. Alternate use of the building or disposition of the property shall be considered in light of current and projected needs.
ADOPTED: 4-20-99
 

The Benton Harbor Area Schools, Berrien County, Michigan