School Consolidation Recommendation Updates: Planning for the Future

Dear Bellevue School District Community:

I must acknowledge that over the past several months, our learning community has engaged in personal, passionate and often difficult discussions. Through these conversations we have come to appreciate our shared value in maintaining the health of the Bellevue School District so that we may continue to exceed expectations and earn our place as a national model of educational excellence that meets the needs of students academically, socially, and emotionally—as one community.

Taking multiple perspectives, data points and suggestions into consideration, I have updated the recommendations for consolidation proposed for the 2023-2024 school year. The updated recommendations are now as follows:

• North Area: Do not consolidate Ardmore. Add the Arabic Heritage Language program and work with staff to develop and implement innovative approaches at the school to attract and retain additional enrollment.
• Midwest Area: Consolidate Wilburton with Clyde Hill and Enatai.
• South Area: Consolidate Eastgate with Spiritridge. Relocate Advanced Learning from Spiritridge to Woodridge.

My original recommendation to consolidate schools was first presented to the Board of Directors on February 9, 2023. Prior to the recommendation, community open houses and staff meetings were held at the elementary schools under consideration for consolidation. Following the recommendation, the Board held formal hearings for each of the impacted school communities identified in the recommendation. In addition, intentional outreach was conducted with families of students experiencing homelessness, receiving Multi-Lingual Learner services, attending preschool, and enrolled in special education services.

In October 2022 it became clear that enrollment would not go back to pre-pandemic levels, as a result of lower birth rates, higher housing costs, more educational options for families including private schools, lower immigration levels, and families moving to more affordable areas. The impact of the drop in enrollment will hit the district’s financial position in the 2023-2024 school year. The magnitude of the situation serves as the rationale behind consolidation considerations. More details will be provided at the Regular School Board Meeting on March 9. The board decision is expected on March 16 during a School Board Special Meeting.

My complete recommendation, along with supporting documents will soon be available on BoardDocs for the community to review. It can be found by navigating to the “Meetings” tab and selecting the March 9, meeting agenda.

Dr. Art Jarvis, Interim Superintendent

Bellevue School District 405

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• New Staff and Community Frequently Asked Questions
• Planning for the Future – Process Timeline
• Weekly Update