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Home My WebLink About11-06-2023 - Study Session Agenda PacketSTUDY SESSION AGENDA CITY COUNCIL CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO 7500 W. 29th Ave. Wheat Ridge CO November 06, 2023 6:30 pm This meeting will be conducted as a virtual meeting, and in person, at 7500 West 29th Avenue, Municipal Building. City Council members and City staff members will be physically present at the Municipal building for this meeting. The public may participate in these ways: 1. Attend the meeting in person at City Hall. Use the appropriate roster to sign up to speak upon arrival. 2. Provide comment in advance at www.wheatridgespeaks.org (comment by noon on November 6, 2023) 3. Virtually attend and participate in the meeting through a device or phone: • Click here to join and provide public comment • Or call +1-669-900-6833 with Access Code: 815 3198 9325 Passcode: 224459 4. View the meeting live or later at www.wheatridgespeaks.org, Channel 8, or YouTube Live at https://www.ci.wheatridge.co.us/view Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to participate in all public meetings sponsored by the City of Wheat Ridge. Contact the Public Information Officer at 303-235-2877 or wrpio@ci.wheatridge.co.us with as much notice as possible if you are interested in participating in a meeting and need inclusion assistance. Public Comment on Agenda Items 1. Update from Jefferson County School District 2. Staff Report(s) 3. Elected Officials’ Report(s) Memorandum TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Patrick Goff, City Manager DATE: November 1, 2023 (for November 6th study session) SUBJECT: Update from Jefferson County School District ISSUE: On November 10, 2022, the Jeffco School Board voted to close sixteen elementary schools, of which, there served Wheat Ridge students. New Classical Academy at Vivian was closed and has consolidated with Stober. Wilmore-Davis has closed and has consolidated with Stevens. Kullerstrand has closed and has consolidated with Prospect Valley. Jeff Gatlin, Chief Operating Officer, and Lisa Relou, Chief of Staff, from the Jefferson County School District, will provide an update to City Council concerning the disposition of the closed schools at the November 6th study session. PRIOR ACTION: Staff provided updates to City Council at both the October 3, 2022 and November 28, 2022 study sessions concerning the school closures. FINANCIAL IMPACT: N/A BACKGROUND: See attached memoranda for background information. RECOMMENDATIONS: This presentation is informational only. ATTACHMENTS: 1. Jeffco School District Presentation 2. Staff memo from October 3, 2022 study session 3. Staff memo from November 28, 2022 study session Property Disposition Process Overview and Status Update City of Wheat Ridge November 6, 2023 1 2 Why Are We Here – A Reminder •Since 2000, Jefferson County has grown by 55,854 residents, but school-aged children has declined by over 29,000 •The District lost more than 5,000 students between 2019 and 2022 •Financial and operational challenges needed to addressed •Jeffco has capacity to serve 96,000 students in traditional district-managed schools and we currently serve 69,000 students in these schools •Call to action: Regional Opportunities for Thriving Schools 3 Regional Opportunities for Thriving Schools Phases I & II of Regional Opportunities for Thriving Schools resulted in a Board decision to close 19 schools, including a commitment to an engagement process regarding the disposition of property. Regional Opportunities for Thriving Schools is an initiative that was devised in the Spring of 2022 to respond to the Board’s request for a comprehensive plan to ensure thriving schools with enrollment to support extraordinary student experiences across our district. Supporting the Disposition Process 4 Core Team Real Estate Legal Counsel Community Engagement Support Real Estate Broker & Other Support Project M g m t Facilities Finance Oper a t i o n s Legal Advisory Committ e e 5 Roles and Responsibilities CRL Associates (CRL) is a CRL is a leading government relations, public affairs and strategic communications firm assisting clients achieve greater levels of success in Colorado and across the country for over 41 years. CRL has a proven track record designing and managing public involvement and stakeholder engagement processes to create wise, durable, and mutually beneficial solutions to complex issues. Jones Lang LaSalle (“JLL”) is a premier professional services and investment management firm offering specialized real estate services to clients seeking increased value by owning, occupying and investing in real estate. JLL has extensive experience working with public school systems and other K-12 educational facilities, offering a range of services such as P3 viability assessments, real estate portfolio review, funding assistance, and facilities management 6 Property Disposition Process Meet with city officials & special districts Obtain input on desired usage, limitations, etc.* Host public information- sharing session Share info about process; invite to apply for Ad-hoc membership 1.Pre-Qualification Process ○ Pre-qualification info meeting for interested parties prior to document release ○ Online Pre-qualification form (high-level info only) ○ Open 6-10 weeks 2.Name Ad Hoc Advisory Committee Members ○ Online interest form ○ Open 3-4 weeks ○ Core committee members select Ad-hoc members JLL reviews and scores Pre-Qualification submissions Shares findings w/Advisory Committee Call for Offers Process ○ Call for Offers document shared by invitation only ○ Detailed proposals requested ○ Open 4-8 weeks Committee shares recommendation with Superintendent and Cabinet Sup & cabinet determine which proposal to move forward with Bo a r d V o t e s “ Y e s ” t o S u r p l u s Ea c h s u r p l u s p r o p e r t y w i l l g o t h r o u g h t h i s p r o c e s s Contracting Process / Negotiations Proceed with Contract Execution Committee reviews JLL’s assessment of Pre-Qualification submissions Committee accepts or rejects JLL assessments; Reduces # of Pre-Qualification proposals for consideration JLL reviews and scores proposals Shares findings w/Advisory Committee Committee reviews JLL’s assessment of proposals Committee accepts or rejects JLL assessment; Identifies top proposal(s) for recommendation Board of Ed: Executive Session ○ Update on proposal process to-date ○ Share superintendent’s recommendation ○ No vote needed Board of Ed: Regular Meeting Vote to approve contract with selected bidder CONTRACTINGDISCOVERYPROPOSALS PHASE PHASE PHASE *District is working to develop a municipal interest process 7 Community Engagement Priorities 1.Collaborate with our municipal partners 2.Communicate transparently with immediate neighbors and provide public access to information through Jeffco’s website 3.Host a community meeting for each property to share information about the disposition process, gather feedback, and answer questions 4.Publicly seek community ad hoc members to provide local representation on the advisory committee 8 Property Disposition Advisory Committee Carrie Mumma District Accountability Committee Parker Brown District Accountability Committee [Vacant]Financial Oversight Committee Melissa Jamieson Financial Oversight Committee Megan Castle Capital Asset Advisory Committee [Vacant]Capital Asset Advisory Committee Jeff Gatlin Jeffco - Chief Operating Officer Ashlyn Maher Jeffco - Project Coordinator, Strategic Initiatives PLUS 3-4 local community ad hoc members including one city appointed 9 Where is Each Site In the Disposition Process? Building Vacancy City Status Notes Allendale Summer 2021 Arvada Board approved surplus designation on 3/9/23 Bergen Meadow Summer 2024 Evergreen Campbell Summer 2023 Arvada Re-opened August 2023 as an ECE Center Colorow Summer 2023 Littleton Emory Summer 2023 Lakewood Fitzmorris Summer 2022 Arvada Glennon Heights Summer 2023 Lakewood Green Mountain (Elem.)Summer 2023 Lakewood Kullerstrand Summer 2023 Wheat Ridge Molholm Summer 2023 Lakewood Parr Summer 2023 Arvada Peck Summer 2023 Arvada Peiffer Summer 2023 Littleton Sheridan Green Summer 2023 Westminster Reverted to City of Westminster 8/31 Thomson Summer 2023 Arvada Vivian Summer 2023 Lakewood Wilmore-Davis Summer 2023 Wheat Ridge Witt Summer 2023 Westminster Zerger Summer 2012 Westminster Board approved surplus designation on 3/9/23 Currently under consideration by Board for surplus designation Surplus property; Request for Qualifications (RFQ) submissions to-be accepted soon Property will not be surplused NOTE: All properties listed will be fully secured and maintained by Jeffco through point of sale Not yet under consideration Surplus property; Open for RFQ submissions Surplus property; RFQ submissions currently under review Surplus property; Contract negotiations underway Property sold or leased Surplus property; Proposal process currently underway Updated: 10/26/2023 10 Target Timeline for Solicitation Task Duration (days) for Each Task Meetings with city officials and special districts Ongoing Host public information sharing session Complete Board Meeting Complete Start the Pre-qualification Process and name the Ad-Hoc Advisory Committee Members 0 Site Tours 16 Call for Questions 9 Answer Questions 10 Pre-qualification Submissions Due 10 JLL reviews, scores Pre-Qualification submissions and shares findings with the Advisory Committee 14 Interviews (if necessary)4 Advisory Committee Meeting to review proposals and recommendations (closed door session)14 JLL Recommendation - Pre-qualification 1 Committee reviews JLL's assessment of Pre-Qualification submissions 0 Update meetings with city managers and elected officials 1 Call for Offers Process Begins 2 Questions due 35 Questions Answered 7 Call for Offers due 14 JLL reviews and scores Proposals 14 Interviews (if necessary)7 Advisory Committee Meeting reviews JLL's assessment of proposals and recommendations 3 JLL Recommendation 1 Committee shares recommendation with Superintendent and Cabinet 0 Update meetings with city managers and elected officials 1 Cabinet Representative and JLL Meets with Board to outline recommendation 7 Board of Education Executive session 8 Contracting/Negotating 1 Total Days 179 11 Jeffco Prequalification Evaluation Process Solicitation Purpose and Process Two-phase "Prequalification Document" followed by "Call for Offers" approach for the two sites 01 Prequalification Process Phase • Allow potential partners to present: •Project teams •Previous relevant experience •Financial capabilities •Preliminary Financial offer •Short list 3-4 respondents to move onto the Call for Offers phase 02 Call for Offers Phase •Allow potential partners to present: •Project teams •Project design and approach •Financial offer 12 Prequalification Selection Criteria ∙Collaborative Partner: Partnership with a Buyer that maintains an open, active, responsive and committed approach to collaboration with Jeffco and/or City of Wheat Ridge staff, the Wheat Ridge community, and immediate neighbors as valued and interested partners. ∙Financial Capacity and Benefits: Partnership with a Buyer that has financial capacity to guarantee the successful completion of the Project and provides return to Jeffco. ∙Enhance Neighborhood Quality: Jeffco seeks to promote the greater community and local economic development. The Buyer may achieve this by providing for a range of property types including office, residential, retail, community asset, etc., which respond to the values of the community and meet the needs of an economically and socially diverse community. Preference will be given to those buyers that demonstrate a financially feasible project plan with various amenities and services to meet the existing community need and to design the product mix in a way that improves the existing neighborhood character over the lifetime of the project. Permitted and prohibited uses are outlined in each City’s Development Code. ∙Neighborhood compatibility and design: The site is within a residential community within the area of Wheat Ridge, and the proposed project should blend in with the surrounding community and the residential nature. ∙Strategic Planning: Thoughtful planning that prioritizes efficient and creative site design, strategic phasing and overall architectural and design excellence. Next Steps for School Properties Disposition ●Complete disposition process for two currently surplused properties (Allendale and Zerger) ●Evaluate and update disposition process to date ●Continue to coordinate with City Managers ●Additional surplus will be announced 13 Memorandum TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: Patrick Goff, City Manager DATE: October 3, 2022 SUBJECT: Proposed Wheat Ridge Elementary School Closures ISSUE: On August 25, 2022 the Jeffco Public Schools staff made a recommendation to the Board of Education for school closures and consolidations effective for the 2023-24 school year. A total of sixteen elementary schools are proposed for closure, of which, three are in Wheat Ridge. New Classical Academy at Vivian is proposed to close and consolidate with Stober. Wilmore-Davis is proposed to close and consolidate with Stevens. Kullerstrand is proposed to close and consolidate with Prospect Valley. Councilmembers Stites and Nosler Beck received consensus from City Council at the September 26, 2022 regualar meeting to discuss options of drafting a letter to the Board of Education and/or approval of a resolution in opposition of the school closings. Following is their proposed outline of an agenda: • Overview of JeffCo School District School closure plan and timeline. • Update on Wheat Ridge data and schools closing and schools receiving schools. • Review the draft letter asking for postponing the November 10th vote to allow for time for a more robust community engagement strategy And/OR vote no on 16 school closures on November 10, 2022. PRIOR ACTIONS: None FINANCIAL IMPACT: None BACKGROUND: The criteria used by Jeffco Schools to develop the list of schools recommended for consolidation were: • An enrollment of less than 220 K-2, K-5, K-6 students OR • Is utilizing 45% or less of the capacity of its facility AND • There is an elementary school or schools less than 3.5 miles away that can serve the students from the closing school in the current articulation area The District has listed the following points on why these school closures and consolidations are Item No. 3 Staff Report – Proposed Wheat Ridge Elementary School Closures October 3, 2022 Page 2 recommended: • Jeffco has capacity to serve 96,000 students in traditional district-managed schools and we currently serve 69,000 students in these schools. If consolidation occurs as recommended, the district will reduce its capacity to approximately 89,000 students. • According to the state demographer, the number of school-aged children in Jeffco peaked in 2001 • More than one third of our elementary schools were built between 1946 - 1964 in the height of the baby boom • On average, excluding mountain schools, our elementary schools are 1.3 miles apart today • On average, 45% of families choice out of their neighborhood elementary school and 38% choice in • There are significant inequities in per-pupil funding at our elementary schools ranging from $13,870 per student to $19,197 per student • The District has made initial investments in specialized programs to attract students (dual language, IB, core knowledge, expeditionary learning, etc.) that it has been unable to fully resource • Small, underutilized schools, even with supplemental funding (siphoned from larger schools), struggle to provide extraordinary experiences for students and educators • Our focus on extraordinary student experiences and a culture of instructional excellence require foundational staffing that cannot be afforded without consolidation • The aim is fewer, more equitably resourced elementary school programs Following is the timeline of the District’s decision making process and community engagement: • August 25: Staff’s Recommendation • September 6 - October 21: School-based community engagement on transitions • October 24 - 27: Public Comment • Public comment on proposed Wheat Ridge school closures in scheduled for October 24th at Wheat Ridge High School from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. • November 10: Board Vote ATTACHMENTS: 1. Facilities Planning and Development Recommendation, dated August 25, 2022 2. Phase I Regional Opportunities for Thriving Schools presentation, dated September 7, 2022 Visit the Jeffco Website for More Information FCB-Recommendation Created by Superintendent’s Staff August 25, 2022 1 FCB refers to Board Policy F (Facilities Planning and Development) code CB Attachment 1 Purpose Today: The Board of Education will receive the District staff’s recommendation on school consolidations, as required by BOE policy FCB, in order for the Board to vote on school consolidations on November 10, 2022. 2 Jeffco Public Schools Jeffco is the second largest school district in Colorado, serving 8% of all the K-12 students in Colorado Jeffco has 157* schools on 168 campuses The school district is divided into 17 articulation areas 3 *Includes charter schools, Jeffco has 142 district-managed schools Jeffco’s Unique Context Colorado saw a decline of 30,000 students who did not enroll in K-12 schools after COVID. According to the Colorado Department of Education, Jeffco saw the largest decline in student population. The district lost more than 5,000 students between 2019 and 2022. 4 Jefferson County Census and Demographic Data ●The 2020 Census shows a population increase in Jefferson County of 55,854 residents from 2000 to 2020. ●In the same time, the population of school aged children (5-19) decreased by 29,918 between 2000 and 2020. ●In addition, the under age 5 population has decreased and, in 2020 the lowest number of births was recorded in 15 years 5 ●Over the last couple of decades, declining enrollment — prompted by population shifts and the growth of charter schools — has prompted rounds of school closures in cities including Chicago, Detroit, Oakland, and Philadelphia. ●The pandemic accelerated those declines and city districts have continued to lose students this year even as suburban and rural districts have started to gain them back. Enrollment losses in cities prompt talk of school closures | By Matt Barnum Apr 26, 2022 New York City, the country’s largest district, has 938,000 students, down from 1,002,000 before the pandemic. Los Angeles’ enrollment fell to 430,000 students this year, from 474,000 in 2019 and over 700,000 in the early 2000s. Chicago currently has 330,000 students, compared to 355,000 before the pandemic. 6 A new poll from Education Next, an education policy publication, found that enrollment in public schools in the United States has dropped by 4 percent over the last two years. That 4 percent decline represents nearly 2 million students. 7 Source: https://thehill.com/changing-america/enrichment/education/3604392-nearly-2-million-fewer-students-have-enrolled-in-public-school/ Jeffco’s Enrollment Reality ●Jeffco has capacity to serve 96,000 students in traditional district-managed schools and we currently serve 69,000* students in these schools. ●In May 2022, we shared with the Board that there were 49 elementary schools with student population under 250 and/or a building utilization of 60% or less that combined have 10,600+ empty seats ●Two elementary schools in the last two years have been closed in the Spring (off-cycle from EnrollJeffco) due to unsustainable student enrollment (20/21 Allendale and 21/22 Fitzmorris) 8 *2021 October Count To be a thriving district where all students achieve their biggest dreams we must build on our many bright spots and confront our challenges through the lens of opportunity. 9 A Call to Action: Regional Opportunities for Thriving Schools Regional Opportunities for Thriving Schools is an initiative that was devised in the Spring of 2022 to respond to the Board’s request for a comprehensive plan to ensure thriving schools with enrollment to support extraordinary student experiences across our district. 10 Phase I Regional Opportunities for Thriving School Scope: In Scope: ●Jeffco district-managed elementary schools (K-2, K-5, and K-6) Out of Scope: ●Use of facilities (begins January 2023) ●Secondary schools, including K-8 (begins January 2023) ●Adjusting school boundaries (beyond the consolidated schools) and articulation areas, districtwide 11 Fall 2022 Timeline: On June 30, 2022, the Board of Education received access to a public dashboard on district-managed elementary schools providing data aligned with Policy FCB; receipt of this report was the first step in the process that anticipates a November 2022 Board vote. ●August 25: Staff’s Recommendation ●September 6 - October 21: School-based community engagement on transitions ●October 24 - 27: Public Comment ●November 10: Board Vote 12 The Why ●According to the state demographer, the number of school-aged children in Jeffco peaked in 2001 ●More than one third of our elementary schools were built between 1946 - 1964 in the height of the baby boom ●On average, excluding mountain schools, our elementary schools are 1.3 miles apart today ●On average, 45% of families choice out of their neighborhood elementary school and 38% choice in* 13 *Based on 2021-22 EnrollJeffco data The Why There are significant inequities in per-pupil funding at our elementary schools 14 FCB Dashboard Data Least Per Pupil Most Per Pupil $13,870 Per student $19,197 Per student The Why ●The District has made initial investments in specialized programs to attract students (dual language, IB, core knowledge, expeditionary learning, etc.) that it has been unable to fully resource ●Small, underutilized schools, even with supplemental funding (siphoned from larger schools), struggle to provide extraordinary experiences for students and educators 15 The Why ●Our focus on extraordinary student experiences and a culture of instructional excellence require foundational staffing that cannot be afforded without consolidation ●The aim is fewer, more equitably resourced elementary school programs 16 The Challenge: 2018 Bond Investments ●Jeffco has spent $16,395,891—2% of all 2018 bond-funded projects—in the schools recommended for consolidation ●Additionally these schools have received grants and gifts of support from community organizations ●$12.2M in projects deferred by the superintendent due to low enrollment and pending consolidation decisions 17 The Challenge ●There are families who were impacted by the Allendale and Fitzmorris closures, who will be impacted again ●There are staff members who have been through previous school closures, who will be impacted again ●Many of the closing schools are walk-only schools. While schools they are paired for consolidation are in close proximity, busing may be required ●While we can offer students the opportunity to move with their peers, we cannot guarantee that for our staff 18 The Opportunity: In most cases, we are able to move all students from one school to another, allowing them to remain with their peers in their existing articulation area. Two small schools can become one, more sustainable and robustly resourced school. 19 20 The Opportunity 21 Ongoing Annual Savings: $8.5M to $12M ●Schools: school-budgeted staff and materials (efficiencies in staffing and resources due to economies of scale) ●Departments: centrally-budgeted school services and staff that support schools (efficiencies in district staffing and resources due to economies of scale) One-time Costs: $1.9M to $3.5M ●One-time costs include moving costs, community engagement facilitation, a boundary study, and appraisals ●Ongoing costs depend on future decisions on facilities Capital Savings & Costs (not included and will be separately estimated as decisions are made): ●Savings due to adjusted or reduced operations ●Potential costs due to new capital projects for consolidations ●Potential costs for new/expanded programming Savings (Recurring)Low High Schools $4M -$5.5M Departments (Services & Supports)$4.5M -$6.5M Total Savings $8.5M -$12M 1 Assumes 16 elementary consolidations by 24-25 Costs (One-Time & Recurring)Low High One-time $1.4M -$2M On-Going Maintenance $0.5M -$1.5M Total Costs $1.9M -$3.5M Consolidation Criteria—on August 15, 2022 the School had An enrollment of less than 220 K-2, K-5, K-6 students OR is utilizing 45% or less of the capacity of its facility AND there is an elementary school or schools less than 3.5 miles away that can serve the students from the closing school in the current articulation area* 22 *Source: EnrollJeffco Consolidation Criteria: The Why ●Urgent Priority: The school is unsustainable due to severe under enrollment. ●High Priority, Runway Partnerships: The school is becoming unsustainable due to severe under enrollment. To increase long-term sustainability, two school communities will consolidate. 23 Consolidation Details ●There are two categories for each consolidation: the school that is closing and the new neighborhood school. ●Center program locations (or relocations) are addressed. ●Preschool sites will be publicly published by articulation area by November 1 as part of a districtwide PK plan for the 2023-24 school year that considers Colorado’s Universal Preschool legislation. ●Middle and high school boundaries will continue to be dictated by address; consolidations do not change this ●Transportation policies apply regarding walk/ride distances and crossing major intersections. ●Families can choose the new neighborhood school or choice-in to another school. 24 Consolidation Details ●The staff at the new neighborhood school will remain there, and staff from the school that is closing will have an opportunity to interview for positions at the new boundary school and other district schools.* ●The principal for the new neighborhood school is named in the consolidation information presented tonight. 23/24 principal hiring will begin early, in December 2022. ●We are committed to a strong 22/23 school year in all schools and will provide additional supports to schools that are closing, as needed. 25 *There may be staffing changes in the new boundary school due to staff retirements, probationary status, and staff choice to interview for other positions; JCEA and JESPA agreements will guide the interview/placement process per the agreements Consolidation Scope: November 2022 Vote 26 On November 10, 2022 the Jeffco Board of Education will take one vote on the following package: The closure of 16 elementary schools in 12 articulation areas impacting a total of 38 elementary schools. Consolidation Impact 27 School Staff Students ●On average the FRL percentage of schools impacted is 50%— Lowest: Bergen Meadow 6% , Highest: Molholm 88% ●10 Non-Title I and 6 Title I schools ●422 FTE* ●2,464 of students K-4, K-5 impacted ●117 Center Program students impacted K-4, K-5 *This includes staff members who are paired to work in more than one location ** K students in K-2 school, K-4 in K-5 schools ,and K-5 in K-6 schools The Elementary School Landscape If consolidations are approved: ●Jeffco will have 67 District-managed elementary schools* ●Elementary schools will, on average, be 1.5 miles away instead of 1.3 miles from one another excluding mountain area schools 28 2021-22 2023-24** 49 elementary schools with student population under 250 and/or a building utilization of 60% or less that combined had 10,600 empty seats 16 elementary schools with student population under 250 and/or a building utilization of 60% or less that combined will have 3,900 empty seats *This number excludes option schools **This assumes consolidations involving 38 schools and that new neighborhood schools retain students from closing schools Source: 2021 October Count Source: 2022-23 Enroll Jeffco Jeffco has capacity to serve 96,000 students in traditional district-managed schools and we currently serve 69,000* students in these schools. If consolidation occurs as recommended, the district will reduce its capacity to approximately 89,000 students. 29 *Source: EnrollJeffco Projected Enrollment ●Districtwide, on average, 45% of families choice out of their neighborhood elementary school and 38% choice in* ●At schools recommended for closure, on average, 57% of families choice out of their neighborhood elementary school and 41% choice in* ●The assumptions we are using to calculate potential 2023-24 enrollment at the new neighborhood school is as follows: 30 *Based on 2021-22 EnrollJeffco data High Low Enrollment of the receiving school + 80% of total number of students currently attending the closing school Enrollment of the receiving school + 35% of the choice in students from the closing school + 50% of the boundary students in the closing school August 25, 2022 Recommendation 31 Alameda: Emory → Lasley (Emory Center Program → Rose Stein) Arvada: Peck → Secrest Arvada: Thomson → Swanson (Thomson Center Program → Hackberry Hill if needed) Arvada West: Campbell → Fremont, Campbell → Vanderhoof (Campbell Center Program → Vanderhoof) Arvada West: Campbell = ECE Center 2023-24* Bear Creek: Peiffer → Kendallvue Dakota Ridge: Colorow → Powderhorn Green Mountain: Green Mountain ES → Foothills (Green Mountain Center Program → Belmar) Evergreen: 2024-25 Bergen Meadow K-2 → Bergen Valley will become PK-5 Jefferson: Molholm → Lumberg Lakewood: Glennon Heights → Belmar (Glennon Center Program → Hutchinson) Pomona: Parr → Little Standley Lake: Sheridan Green → Ryan Standley Lake: Witt → Lukas Wheat Ridge: Vivian → Stober (Vivian Center Program → Maple Grove) Wheat Ridge: Wilmore Davis → Stevens Wheat Ridge: Kullerstrand → Prospect Valley Note: Center programs are listed only if they are different from the receiving school for all students *There is existing demand for ECE in the area and no current programs at Fremont or Vanderhoof Visit the Jeffco Website for More Information 32 Articulation Area Alameda Criteria Emory Elementary is utilizing 45% or less of the capacity of its facility and there is an elementary school or schools less than 3.5 miles away that can serve the students from the closing school in the current articulation area School Closure Emory (Title 1) 2022-23 Enrollment: 385 Capacity: 876 Utilization: 45% New Neighborhood School Lasley (Title 1) w/ addition of Dual Language Program 2022-23 Enrollment: 291 Capacity: 606 Utilization: 49% Est. Enrollment & Utilization High: 599 Low: 445 High: 99% Low: 73% Distance BTWN Schools 1 Mile Principal Lauren LeMarinel, Assistant Principal Aida Kline Center Program Type and Location Affective Needs, Rose Stein Public Comment Details Wednesday October 26: 4-5PM, Jefferson HS Visit the Jeffco Website for More Information 33 Articulation Area Arvada Criteria Peck Elementary and Secrest Elementary enrollment is less than 220. Peck Elementary is utilizing 45% or less of the capacity of its facility and there is an elementary school or schools less than 3.5 miles away that can serve the students from the closing school in the current articulation area. School Closure Peck 2022-23 Enrollment: 159 Capacity: 423 Utilization: 38% New Neighborhood School Secrest (Title 1) 2022-23 Enrollment: 207 Capacity: 435 Utilization: 63% Est. Enrollment & Utilization High: 334 Low: 279 High: 77% Low: 63% Distance BTWN Schools 1 Mile Principal (Interim) Cathy Baune Center Program Type and Location Significant Support Needs, Secrest Public Comment Details Wednesday October 26: 5-6PM, Jefferson HS Visit the Jeffco Website for More Information 34 Articulation Area Arvada Criteria Thomson Elementary and Swanson Elementary enrollment is less than 220. Both schools are utilizing 45% or less of the capacity of their facilities and there is an elementary school or schools less than 3.5 miles away that can serve the students from the closing school in the current articulation area. School Closure Thomson (Title 1) 2022-23 Enrollment: 193 Capacity: 500 Utilization: 39% New Neighborhood School Swanson (Title 1) 2022-23 Enrollment: 217 Capacity: 579 Utilization: 38% Est. Enrollment & Utilization High: 371 Low: 301 High: 64% Low: 52% Distance BTWN Schools 2.3 Mile Principal Kristina Carothers Center Program Type and Location Affective Needs, Hackberry Hill (if needed) Public Comment Details Tuesday October 25: 4-5PM, Pomona HS Visit the Jeffco Website for More Information 35 Articulation Area Arvada West Criteria Campbell Elementary’s enrollment is less than 220 and there is an elementary school or schools less than 3.5 miles away that can serve the students from the closing school in the current articulation area. School Closure Campbell 2022-23 Enrollment: 195 Capacity: 364 Utilization: 62% Campbell will become an ECE Center in 2023-24 New Neighborhood School Fremont: 2022-23 Enrollment: 259 Capacity: 336 Utilization: 79% Vanderhoof: 2022-23 Enrollment: 351 Capacity: 486 Utilization: 74% Est. Enrollment & Utilization Fremont: High: 337 Low: 303 Vanderhoof: High: 429 Low: 395 High: 100% Low: 90% High: 88% Low: 81% Distance BTWN Schools Fremont: 1.1 Mile Vanderhoof: 1.5 Miles Principal Fremont: David Alex Vanderhoof: Michele Rodriguez Center Program Type and Location Significant Support Needs, Vanderhoof Public Comment Details Monday October 24: 4-5PM, Wheat Ridge HS Visit the Jeffco Website for More Information 36 Articulation Area Bear Creek Criteria Peiffer Elementary’s enrollment is less than 220 and there is an elementary school or schools less than 3.5 miles away that can serve the students from the closing school in the current articulation area. School Closure Peiffer 2022-23 Enrollment: 200 Capacity: 428 Utilization: 50% New Neighborhood School Kendallvue 2022-23 Enrollment: 241 Capacity: 495 Utilization: 58% Est. Enrollment & Utilization High: 401 Low: 331 High: 81% Low: 67% Distance BTWN Schools 2.6 Mile Principal Bruce Lindsey Center Program Type and Location NA Public Comment Details Thursday October 27: 5-6PM, Carmody MS Visit the Jeffco Website for More Information 37 Articulation Area Dakota Ridge Criteria Colorow Elementary’s enrollment is less than 220 and there is an elementary school or schools less than 3.5 miles away that can serve the students from the closing school in the current articulation area. School Closure Colorow 2022-23 Enrollment: 179 Capacity: 363 Utilization: 53% New Neighborhood School Powderhorn 2022-23 Enrollment: 441 Capacity: 519 Utilization: 85% 5 classroom addition to open later in Fall 2022 and will increase capacity to 640 Est. Enrollment & Utilization High: 584 Low: 525 High: 91% Low: 82% Distance BTWN Schools 3.2 Mile Principal Tom Szczesny Center Program Type and Location Affective Needs, Powderhorn Public Comment Details Thursday October 27: 6:30-7:30PM, Carmody MS Visit the Jeffco Website for More Information 38 Articulation Area Green Mountain Criteria Green Mountain Elementary’s enrollment is less than 220 and there is an elementary school or schools less than 3.5 miles away that can serve the students from the closing school in the current articulation area. School Closure Green Mountain Elementary 2022-23 Enrollment: 209 Capacity: 351 Utilization: 61% New Neighborhood School Foothills 2022-23 Enrollment: 238 Capacity: 424 Utilization: 78% Est. Enrollment & Utilization High: 405 Low: 328 High: 96% Low: 77% Distance BTWN Schools 1.2 Mile Principal Josh Shapiro Center Program Type and Location Significant Support Needs, Belmar Public Comment Details Thursday October 27: 7:30 - 8:30PM, Carmody MS Visit the Jeffco Website for More Information 39 Articulation Area Evergreen Criteria Bergen Meadow Primary School’s enrollment is less than 220 and it is utilizing 45% or less of the capacity of its facilities and there is an elementary school or schools less than 3.5 miles away that can serve the students from the closing school in the current articulation area. School Closure Bergen Meadow (K-2) 2022-23 Enrollment: 193 Capacity: 567 Utilization: 44% New Neighborhood School 2024-2025 Bergen Valley PK-5 (with building addition) 2022-23 Enrollment: 247 Capacity: 336 Utilization: 74% An addition to open in 2024- 25, it will increase capacity to 540 - 620* Est. Enrollment & Utilization High: 401 Low: 339 *High: 74% - 65% *Low: 63% - 55% Distance BTWN Schools 1.7 Mile Principal Kristen Hyde Center Program Type and Location NA Public Comment Details Friday October 28: 4-5PM, Bergen Meadow ES *Range dependent on confirmation of master plan Visit the Jeffco Website for More Information 40 Articulation Area Jefferson Criteria Molholm Elementary’s enrollment is less than 220 and there is an elementary school or schools less than 3.5 miles away that can serve the students from the closing school in the current articulation area. School Closure Molholm (Title 1) 2022-23 Enrollment: 205 Capacity: 468 Utilization: 51% New Neighborhood School Lumberg (Title 1) 2022-23 Enrollment: 291 Capacity: 552 Utilization: 60% Est. Enrollment & Utilization High: 455 Low: 384 High: 82% Low: 70% Distance BTWN Schools 1.8 Miles Principal Lindsay Petty Center Program Type and Location NA Public Comment Details Wednesday October 26: 6:30-7:30PM, Jefferson HS Visit the Jeffco Website for More Information 41 Articulation Area Lakewood Criteria Glennon Heights and Belmar elementary schools’ enrollment are less than 220. Glennon Heights is utilizing 45% or less of the capacity of its facilities and there is an elementary school or schools less than 3.5 miles away that can serve the students from the closing school in the current articulation area. School Closure Glennon Heights 2022-23 Enrollment: 138 Capacity: 327 Utilization: 43% New Neighborhood School Belmar 2022-23 Enrollment: 215 Capacity: 334 Utilization: 66% Est. Enrollment & Utilization High: 325 Low: 273 High: 98% Low: 82% Distance BTWN Schools 1.9 Mile Principal Meredith Leighty Center Program Type and Location Affective Needs, Hutchinson Public Comment Details Wednesday October 26: 7:30-8:30PM, Jefferson HS Visit the Jeffco Website for More Information 42 Articulation Area Pomona Criteria Parr Elementary’s enrollment is less than 220 and there is an elementary school or schools less than 3.5 miles away that can serve the students from the closing school in the current articulation area. School Closure Parr (Title 1) 2022-23 Enrollment: 172 Capacity: 312 Utilization: 71% New Neighborhood School Little (Title 1) 2022-23 Enrollment: 240 Capacity: 459 Utilization: 54% Est. Enrollment & Utilization High: 378 Low: 312 High: 82% Low: 68% Distance BTWN Schools 1 Mile Principal Julie Waage Center Program Type and Location NA Public Comment Details Tuesday October 25: 5-6PM, Pomona HS Visit the Jeffco Website for More Information 43 Articulation Area Standley Lake Criteria Sheridan Green Elementary’s enrollment is less than 220 and there is an elementary school or schools less than 3.5 miles away that can serve the students from the closing school in the current articulation area. School Closure Sheridan Green 2022-23 Enrollment: 215 Capacity: 495 Utilization: 51% New Neighborhood School Ryan 2022-23 Enrollment: 338 Capacity: 552 Utilization: 65% Est. Enrollment & Utilization High: 510 Low: 433 High: 92% Low: 78% Distance BTWN Schools 1 Mile Principal Kristi Shaner Center Program Type and Location Gifted & Talented, Ryan Public Comment Details Tuesday October 25: 6:30-7:30PM, Pomona HS Visit the Jeffco Website for More Information 44 Articulation Area Standley Lake Criteria Witt Elementary’s enrollment is less than 220 and there is an elementary school or schools less than 3.5 miles away that can serve the students from the closing school in the current articulation area. School Closure Witt 2022-23 Enrollment: 204 Capacity: 452 Utilization: 55% New Neighborhood School Lukas 2022-23 Enrollment: 259 Capacity: 519 Utilization: 50% Est. Enrollment & Utilization High: 422 Low: 352 High: 81% Low: 68% Distance BTWN Schools 1.5 Mile Principal Lori Young Center Program Type and Location NA Public Comment Details Tuesday October 25: 7:30-8:30PM, Pomona HS Visit the Jeffco Website for More Information 45 Articulation Area Wheat Ridge Criteria Vivian Elementary’s enrollment is less than 220 and there is an elementary school or schools less than 3.5 miles away that can serve the students from the closing school in the current articulation area. School Closure Vivan (Title 1) 2022-23 Enrollment: 129 Capacity: 291 Utilization: 56% New Neighborhood School Stober 2022-23 Enrollment: 236 Capacity: 312 Utilization: 86% 4 classrooms and music room addition will increase capacity to 408* Est. Enrollment & Utilization High: 339 Low: 291 High: 109% Low: 93% Distance BTWN Schools 1.3 Mile Principal Anne Dicola Center Program Type and Location Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Maple Grove Public Comment Details Monday October 24: 5-6PM, Wheat Ridge HS *Exploring timeline Visit the Jeffco Website for More Information 46 Articulation Area Wheat Ridge Criteria Wilmore Davis Elementary’s enrollment is less than 220 and there is an elementary school or schools less than 3.5 miles away that can serve the students from the closing school in the current articulation area. School Closure Wilmore Davis (Title I) 2022-23 Enrollment: 208 Capacity: 403 Utilization: 58% New Neighborhood School Stevens (Title I) 2022-23 Enrollment: 327 Capacity: 711 Utilization: 52% Est. Enrollment & Utilization High: 493 Low: 414 High: 69% Low: 58% Distance BTWN Schools <1 Miles Principal Katie Mauro Center Program Type and Location Two Autism Spectrum Disorder Programs, Stevens Public Comment Details Monday October 24: 6:30-7:30PM, Wheat Ridge HS Visit the Jeffco Website for More Information 47 Articulation Area Wheat Ridge Criteria Kullerstrand Elementary’s enrollment is less than 220 and there is an elementary school or schools less than 3.5 miles away that can serve the students from the closing school in the current articulation area. School Closure Kullerstrand 2022-23 Enrollment: 179 Capacity: 265 Utilization: 75% New Neighborhood School Prospect Valley 2022-23 Enrollment: 427 Capacity: 480 Utilization: 89% New facility opening in 2022-23 and 8 classroom addition to open in 2023-24 will increase capacity to 672 Est. Enrollment & Utilization High: 570 Low: 505 High: 85% Low: 75% Distance BTWN Schools 1.5 Miles Principal Andy Schrant Center Program Type and Location Affective Needs, Prospect Valley Public Comment Details Monday October 24: 7:30-8:30PM, Wheat Ridge HS What’s Next: Targeted Support for Former Allendale & Fitzmorris Families ●23 families with students in grades K-4 at Campbell formerly attended either Fitzmorris (8) or Allendale (15) ●4 families with students in grades K-4 at Peck formerly attended Fitzmorris ●We will work directly with these families to offer them an opportunity to make a transition this fall so they do not have to go through another closure at the end of this school year 48 What’s Next: FCB Committees Board Policy FCB-R recognizes that school-based committees have a unique role in receiving and responding to Jeffco staff’s recommendations for closure. Every school recommended for closure will have an FCB committee that includes at least four and up to seven members of the school community. At a minimum, the Committee will include: ●A parent member of the School Accountability Committee (SAC) ●A school staff member of the School Accountability Committee (SAC) ●The school principal of their designee from the closing school ●The school principal or their designee from the receiving school Additionally, the FCB Committee may include: ●A representative of a community-based organization that supports the school or a school volunteer who lives in the school boundary ●An education support professional from the closing school ●A parent member of the School Accountability Committee (SAC) from the receiving school 49 FCB refers to Board Policy F (Facilities Planning and Development) code CB What’s Next: FCB Committees ●Supporting Community Engagement: The FCB Committee is asked to help spread awareness of opportunities for community conversations to maximize participation. ●School Transition Plans: Each FCB Committee will be asked to work with the District’s partners at Keystone Policy Center to support the compilation of a document that outlines the challenges and opportunities associated with the recommended consolidation based on input received from communities in September and October. This document will be provided directly to the superintendent and will be made available to the Board of Education. 50 FCB refers to Board Policy F (Facilities Planning and Development) code CB What’s Next: Community Conversations ●The District’s partners at Keystone Policy Center will host 90 minute, in-person community conversations in September and October at each school recommended for closure. ●All members of the school community are invited to attend and neighbors are also welcome to join the conversation. ●District representatives will explain the process and factors that led to the recommendations and answer questions about that process. ●Community conversations are not being held to assess or debate whether to close any particular school or the process used to make recommendations to the Board. ●A significant amount of time at the community conversations will be committed to looking forward aspirationally about “the possible.” ●Spanish only sessions may be held at some schools and live interpreters will be available, as requested so stakeholders can speak and listen in the language of their heart 51 What’s Next: Public Hearings ●Per Policy FCB, every school recommended for closure will have a public hearing with the Board of Education prior to the vote. ●The public comment sessions will each be one hour. These sessions will occur the last week in October. ●Sign-up will open 5-days prior to the hearing and each speaker can speak for 3 minutes. The one-hour time limit will allow for approximately 16 speakers. ●The District is working on offering transportation from schools to the location of the public comment session to ensure accessibility for all families. 52 What’s Next: Staff Support ●The District will follow JCEA and JESPA master agreements to support staff members with navigating employment opportunities in the 2023-24 school year ●Under the JCEA agreement, non-probationary teachers will have employment for one year following the displacement process and will be prioritized for interviews during the hiring process. Licenced educators may seek ongoing mutual consent positions rather than being placed into a position for one year ●The District will offer opportunities for certified staff to gain endorsements in hard to staff areas during the 2022-23 school year at no cost to them, to make them more competitive for positions in the 2023-24 school year 53 What’s Next: Staff Support ●Jeffco’s HR department will support certified and ESP staff with resume writing and interview skills to prepare for the the 2023-24 hiring season ●JCEA and JESPA are partnering with the District this fall to discuss a potential “internal only” hiring season and events prior to consideration of external applicants ●Hiring for principals for the 2023-24 school year will begin in December 2022 54 What’s Next: Student/Family Support ●There will be opportunities for organized school tours at new neighborhood schools ●Jeffco Student Success team will be in contact with Center Program students ●Families will have access to a staff member to assist them with 2023-24 school year enrollment decision ●Eligibility for transportation in 2023-24 will be determined by the distance students live from the school (one mile for elementary students) and safety concerns unique to their attendance area (policy EEA) 55 November 10, 2022 Vote The District will put forward: ●One package recommendation for the closure of 16 elementary schools ●A request for BOE support to initiate: ○RFP for community conversations on facility use beginning in January 2023 ○RFP for a study of school boundaries, district articulation areas, review of school programming (K-12), analysis of bus fees, building utilization evaluation, and choice patterns and trends ○Phase 2 of Regional Opportunities for Thriving Schools launching in January 2023 with adding secondary schools to the FCB dashboard with the intent of bringing forward a recommendation to consolidate secondary schools including K-8 in Fall 2023 (new criteria will be developed for Phase 2) 56 Barring unforeseen circumstances that further accelerate enrollment declines, this recommendation should level-set elementary schools. We do not anticipate an additional district-wide consolidation recommendation for elementary schools (K-5 or K-6) in the near future. 57 Regional Opportunities for Thriving Schools Update September 7, 2022 Attachment 2 2 Purpose: Provide an update to the Board on Phase I Regional Opportunities for Thriving Schools including… ●Phase I Timeline ●Data revision ●Capacity to serve students pre-and-post consolidation by articulation area ●Information on new housing developments in impacted articulation areas ●Review of class-size guidelines in the JCEA agreement ●Policy J Code JC: School Attendance Area 3 https://www.jeffcopublicschools.org/ 4 On June 30, 2022, the Board of Education received access to a public dashboard on district-managed elementary schools providing data aligned with Policy FCB; receipt of this report was the first step in the process that anticipates a November 2022 Board vote. ●August 25: Staff’s Recommendation ●September 6 - October 21: School-based community engagement on transitions ●October 24 - 27: Public Comment ●November 10: Board Vote Phase I Timeline 5 ●Every school will have two community conversations – the first meeting in September and the second meeting in October. Between the two community conversations, stakeholders from proposed consolidating schools will complete a survey or participate in a focus group. ●Every school will have a one-hour public hearing before the Board of education at the end of October. ●All meeting dates, times, and locations are posted online. Community Conversations & Public Hearings The District will put forward: ●One package recommendation for the closure of 16 elementary schools ●A request for BOE support to initiate: ○RFP for community conversations on facility use beginning in January 2023 ○RFP for a study of school boundaries, district articulation areas, review of school programming (K-12), analysis of bus fees, building utilization evaluation, and choice patterns and trends ○Phase 2 of Regional Opportunities for Thriving Schools launching in January 2023 with adding secondary schools to the FCB dashboard with the intent of bringing forward a recommendation to consolidate secondary schools including K-8 in Fall 2023 (new criteria will be developed for Phase 2) 6 November 10, 2022 Vote ●Jeffco has spent $18,056,873—2.2% of all 2018 bond-funded projects—in the schools recommended for consolidation* ●Additionally these schools have received grants and gifts of support from community organizations ●$12.2M in projects deferred by the superintendent due to low enrollment and pending consolidation decisions 7 Data Revision: 2018 Bond Investments *Previously reported $16,395,891, included an error that calculated Lasley bond projects instead of Emory Articulation Area Total Number Students who live in Boundary of Articulation Area (K-5) Total Number of Students who live in Boundary and attend Neighborhood school (K-5 or K-6) Number of Elementary Seats (Capacity) Pre Consolidation Number of Excess Seats in Elementary Schools Pre Consolidation Number of Elementary Schools per Articulation Area Pre Consolidation Alameda 2000 759 3042 2283 5 Arvada 1917 683 2943 2260 6 Arvada West 2063 1088 2228 1140 5 Bear Creek 2109 970 2455 1485 6 Dakota Ridge 1525 1013 2417 1404 5 Evergreen 992 637 1767 1130 4 Green Mountain 1722 968 2305 1337 5 Jefferson 837 414 1443 1029 3 Lakewood 1629 689 1987 1298 5 Pomona 1349 584 1703 1119 4 Standley Lake 2007 1016 3143 2127 6 Wheat Ridge 1698 782 3131 2349 8 Totals 19848 9603 28564 18961 62 8 Capacity to Serve Students by Articulation Area Pre Consolidation Only impacted articulation areas included 9 Capacity to Serve Students by Articulation Area Post Consolidation Only impacted articulation areas included Articulation Area Total Number Students who live in Boundary of Articulation Area (K-5) Total Number of Students who live in Boundary and attend Neighborhood school (K-5 or K-6) Number of Elementary Seats (Capacity) Post Consolidation Number of Excess Seats in Elementary Schools Post Consolidation Number of Elementary Schools per Articulation Area Post Consolidation Alameda 2000 759 2166 1407 4 Arvada 1917 683 2020 1337 4 Arvada West 2063 1088 1864 776 4 Bear Creek 2109 970 2027 1057 5 Dakota Ridge 1525 1013 2054 1041 4 Evergreen 992 637 1200 563 3 Green Mountain 1722 968 1954 986 4 Jefferson 837 414 975 561 2 Lakewood 1629 689 1660 971 4 Pomona 1349 584 1391 807 3 Standley Lake 2007 1016 2196 1180 4 Wheat Ridge 1698 782 2172 1390 5 Totals 19848 9603 21679 12076 46 10 Development Information Alameda Only impacted articulation areas included 11 Development Information Arvada Only impacted articulation areas included 12 Development Information Arvada West Only impacted articulation areas included 13 Development Information Bear Creek Only impacted articulation areas included 14 Development Information Dakota Ridge Only impacted articulation areas included 15 Development Information Evergreen Only impacted articulation areas included 16 Development Information Green Mountain Only impacted articulation areas included 17 Development Information Jefferson Only impacted articulation areas included 18 Development Information Lakewood Only impacted articulation areas included 19 Development Information Pomona Only impacted articulation areas included 20 Development Information Standley Lake Only impacted articulation areas included 21 Development Information Wheat Ridge Only impacted articulation areas included 22 8-5-4 The District and Association acknowledge that class configurations are impacted by local needs and resources. The following are guidelines for school collaborative teams to use in determining class configurations and sizes. 8-5-5 Elementary Classroom Ranges:* Class-size Guidelines in the JCEA Agreement The contract notes: For classes above the guidelines, the principal will work collaboratively with the affected educator to ensure adequate support. 23 ●School boundaries shall be reviewed annually by the superintendent or designee to determine if adjustments are needed. ●Changes shall be discussed with principals, citizen advisory committees and parents. ●Proposals for changing school boundaries shall be submitted to the superintendent and the Board in October for preliminary study and shall be reviewed and/or acted upon during November. Policy J Code JC: School Attendance Area Appendix 24 Regional Opportunities for Thriving Schools Proposed Boundary Changes Bergen Meadow ES into Bergen Valley ES Evergreen Articulation Area Currently, Bergen Meadow ES is grades PK-2, and Bergen Valley ES is grades 3-5. Both schools share the same neighborhood boundary, with students attending the school of their current grade. The proposed consolidation of Bergen Meadow ES into Bergen Valley ES would create one PK-5 facility at Bergen Valley ES with one neighborhood boundary. Campbell ES into Fremont ES & Vanderhoof ES Arvada West Articulation Area When Allendale ES closed in the 2021-22 school year, students living in the Allendale ES neighborhood boundary were given the option to attend Campbell ES or Fremont ES as their neighborhood school. The proposed consolidation of Campbell ES students into Fremont ES and Vanderhoof ES would combine the Campbell ES boundary with the current Fremont ES boundary north of W 64th Ave, and the current Campbell ES or Fremont ES option boundary (Allendale ES neighborhood boundary) would be combined with the Vanderhoof ES boundary south of W 64th Ave. Colorow ES into Powderhorn ES Dakota Ridge Articulation Area The proposed boundary for consolidation is combining the Colorow ES neighborhood boundary into the Powderhorn ES neighborhood boundary. Emory ES into Lasley ES Alameda Articulation Area The proposed boundary for consolidation is combining the Emory ES neighborhood boundary into the Lasley ES neighborhood boundary. Glennon Heights ES into Belmar School of Integrated Arts Lakewood Articulation Area The proposed boundary for consolidation is combining the Glennon Heights ES neighborhood boundary into the Belmar School of Integrated Arts neighborhood boundary. Green Mountain ES into Foothills ES Green Mountain Articulation Area The proposed boundary for consolidation is combining the Green Mountain ES neighborhood boundary into the Foothills ES neighborhood boundary. Kullerstrand ES into Prospect Valley ES Wheat Ridge Articulation Area The proposed boundary for consolidation is combining the Kullerstrand ES neighborhood boundary into the Prospect Valley ES neighborhood boundary. Molholm ES into Lumberg ES Jefferson Articulation Area The proposed boundary for consolidation is combining the Molholm ES neighborhood boundary into the Lumberg ES neighborhood boundary. New Classical Academy at Vivian into Stober ES Wheat Ridge Articulation Area The proposed boundary for consolidation is combining the New Classical Academy at Vivian ES neighborhood boundary into the Stober ES neighborhood boundary. Parr ES into Little ES Pomona Articulation Area The proposed boundary for consolidation is combining the Parr ES neighborhood boundary into the Little ES neighborhood boundary. Peck ES into Secrest ES Arvada Articulation Area The proposed boundary for consolidation is combining the Peck ES neighborhood boundary into the Secrest ES neighborhood boundary. Peiffer ES into Kendallvue ES Bear Creek Articulation Area The proposed boundary for consolidation is combining the Peiffer ES neighborhood boundary into the Kendallvue ES neighborhood boundary. In addition, the Three Hills development that is currently in the Red Rocks ES neighborhood boundary would be moved to the Kendallvue ES neighborhood boundary, since no homes have currently been built in the development. Sheridan Green ES into Ryan ES Standley Ridge Articulation Area The proposed boundary for consolidation is combining the Sheridan Green ES neighborhood boundary into the Ryan ES neighborhood boundary. Thomson ES into Swanson ES Arvada Articulation Area The proposed boundary for consolidation is combining the Thomson ES neighborhood boundary into the Swanson ES neighborhood boundary. Wilmore-Davis ES into Stevens ES Wheat Ridge Articulation Area The proposed boundary for consolidation is combining the Wilmore-Davis ES neighborhood boundary into the Stevens ES neighborhood boundary. Witt ES into Lukas ES Standley Lake Articulation Area The proposed boundary for consolidation is combining the Witt ES neighborhood boundary into the Lukas ES neighborhood boundary. Fitzmorris ES into Lawrence ES Arvada Articulation Area The proposed boundary for consolidation is combining the Fitzmorris ES neighborhood boundary into the Lawrence ES neighborhood boundary. Memorandum TO: Mayor and City Council THROUGH: Patrick Goff, City Manager FROM: Lauren Mikulak, Interim Community Development Director DATE: November 18, 2022 (for November 28 special study session) SUBJECT: Wheat Ridge Elementary School Closures ISSUE: On Thursday, November 10, 2022, the Jefferson County Public Schools board voted unanimously to close 16 elementary schools. This affects Wheat Ridge in several ways: three schools slated for closure have articulation areas within Wheat Ridge, two of the school properties that are closing are within City limits, and the consolidation could change the travel patterns for many families. At this time there are likely more questions than answers, but the purpose of this memo is to outline what is known, and the purpose of the November 28 study session is to begin to understand potential next steps. PRIOR ACTION: The list of school closures was announced by Jeffco Public Schools on August 25, 2022. A City Council study session was held on October 3, 2022, to discuss what was known and to prepare a letter from Councilmembers to school leaders. At the regular meeting on November 14, 2022, Councilmembers requested a future study session to discuss impacts of the school board’s closure decision. BACKGROUND: Overview The map below (Figure 1) shows the City boundary and the elementary school articulation areas that include Wheat Ridge. An articulation area determines a student’s neighborhood school where they are guaranteed a seat. Jeffco uses open choice enrollment allowing students from within and outside the district to apply for a seat at any (or multiple) elementary schools. Choice enrollment occurs annually from December to January. The map illustrates the impacts of the closure decision: • Kullerstrand will close and consolidate with Prospect Valley. • Wilmore-Davis will close and consolidate with Stevens. • New Classical Academy at Vivian will close and consolidate with Stober. 2 Figure 1. Shows the Jeffco elementary school articulation areas within Wheat Ridge. The colored boundaries are those which are sending or receiving based on the school board’s closure decision. Zoning Vivian is located outside of City boundaries at 25th and Miller. Kullerstrand and Wilmore-Davis are both located within the City limits on properties owned by the school district. Both properties are zoned predominantly residentially—Kullerstrand is zoned Residential-One (R-1) with a portion of the field zoned agriculturally, and Wilmore-Davis is zoned Residential-Two (R-2). A property profile of each campus, including zoning, aerial, and property size is enclosed as Exhibits 1 and 2. Public schools are an extension of the Colorado Board of Education, and as an extension of the state public schools are permitted in all zone districts and are not subject to local zoning. While the school district must consult a jurisdiction on the siting of new schools, the City is not in a regulatory position when it comes to public schools. Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS) Section 22-32-124 states that local jurisdictions “cannot limit the authority of a board of education to finally determine the location of the public schools of the school district and construct necessary buildings and structures.” In practice, this means that Jeffco Public Schools notifies the City of proposed development and expansions but does not submit a development application to the City. The City reviews off-site impacts (such as traffic studies), but the site and architectural plans are not reviewed and approved by the City. Likewise buildings are inspected by the State and do not obtain City building permits. The repurposing of a school property for any use other than a public school, however, is subject to local zoning and other regulations. Permitted uses are dictated by the use charts in Section 26-204 of the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws. The residential use chart is attached as Exhibit 5. For ½ mile 3 residential development, R-1 allows for single-unit dwellings and R-2 allows for single- and two-unit dwellings. Multi-unit construction is not permitted in R-1 or R-2. Among non-residential uses, options are limited. Permitted uses include governmental facilities, parks, and urban agriculture. A small portion of the Kullerstrand site is zoned A-2 which is equally or more limiting. Given the constraints of the City’s residential zone districts, reuse of a school property would very likely require either a zone change request or an amendment to the zoning code. Joint Use Agreements between the City and the School District The City was awarded $110,000 through Great Outdoors Colorado's Schoolyard Initiative for the Kullerstrand playground replacement in early 2020. Schools can only receive these funds if they partner with an eligible local government, such as a city, county or parks and recreation district. Wheat Ridge City Council Resolution 20-2020 provided support to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Jefferson County School District and a grant agreement with Great Outdoors Colorado, specific to this project. Within these agreements, it is made clear that the school district is responsible to operate, manage, and maintain the playground for its useful life, identified as 20 years in the application. Additionally, the agreements state that the School District shall provide and maintain access to the playground and the property, regardless of the property's ownership, and they must allow reasonable public access. In addition to the Kullerstrand playground, the Parks and Recreation Department has worked closely with Wilmore-Davis and Kullerstrand over the years through Intergovernmental Agreements to secure athletic space for youth sports programming. Losing space at Wilmore-Davis would have an impact on our programming (approximately 30 kids participating in 40 soccer practices per year), but losing space at Kullerstrand would be detrimental to our programs, likely requiring the City to purchase/lease additional field space. The Kullerstrand fields are heavily utilized 26 weeks out of the year by the City's youth soccer program, as well as the Colorado Avalanche competitive soccer program (scheduled through the Parks & Recreation Department). Finally, it is worth noting that the City's environmental interpreter works closely with both Wilmore-Davis and Kullerstrand to provide programming, including educational opportunities specific to Happiness Gardens, which is adjacent to the Wilmore-Davis property. She has taught 14 unique programs at Willmore-Davis, serving ~700 students during the 2021-2022 school year, and ~600 so far in the 2022-2023 school year (54.5 hours spent on Willmore-Davis outreach in 2022). Addtionally, she has taught 8 unique programs at Kullerstrand, serving 80 students so far in to 2022-2023 school year (22 hours spent on Kullerstrand outreach in 2022). These programs are offered through relationships developed over time (not formal agreements), so it will take time to build this level of programming at Stevens Elementary and Prospect Valley. School District Plans Jeffco has not shared specific plans regarding how they may sell, lease, hold, or repurpose the school properties which are slated to close. The school consolidation has occurred under the name of Regional Opportunities for Thriving Schools, and the project’s online FAQ includes this question and answer: 4 What are you going to do with the facility once a school closes? 14 properties will cease to operate as schools at the end of the 2022-23 school year. Campbell will be converted to an ECE center and Bergen Meadow will cease operations at the end of the 2023-24 school year. Jeffco may sell, lease, or continue to use buildings for various purposes including, but not limited to: • New location for existing district schools or programs (e.g., Fletcher Miller, Option Schools, Alternative Education Campuses, preschool) • Family resource centers • Newly developed workforce housing • City managed rec centers • Program space for nonprofits or childcare providers The District will take time to understand what will best serve the interests of the District and communities as a whole, which includes an analysis of systemic needs and feedback from stakeholders. Decisions about building use will be made after conducting a process that includes public consideration of the district’s options. The school district has not yet described the process by which property decisions will be made. City leadership will work with the school district to understand the timing of their property decisions, and whether they will be seeking short-term reuse ideas or making longer term decisions. The City will be undertaking a comprehensive plan update in late 2023. A longer-term vision for the properties could be discussed as part of the comp plan update if the timing makes sense. Transportation Impacts With the consolidation, the travel patterns could change for many students and households. This may mean a modal shift—some households may choose to drive when they used to walk. It could also result in households seeking new routes for driving, biking or walking. In considering those who walk to school, most Safe Routes to School professionals consider a half-mile to be a reasonable distance for a kindergartener and a mile for older elementary students. Whether that distance is actually “walkable” or not can depend on the presence, comfort, and safety of a sidewalk or route. City staff has begun to assess the closure impacts on travel routes and City infrastructure. NEXT STEPS: With the closure decision occurring just earlier this month, it is very likely that there are more questions than answers at this time. The purpose of the November 28 discussion is to familiarize Council with the existing conditions, provide a forum for discussion, and begin to understand potential next steps. ATTACHMENTS: 1. Exhibit 1 - Kullerstrand Property Profile 2. Exhibit 2 - Wilmore-Davis Property Profile 3. Exhibit 3 - R-1 Development Standards 4. Exhibit 4 - R-2 Development Standards 5. Exhibit 5 - Residential Use Chart 5 EXHIBIT 1 – Kullerstrand Elementary School – Property Profile Address: 12225 W. 38th Avenue Zoning: Residential-One (R-1) and Agricultural-Two (A-2) Site Size: 466,876 sf / 10.718 ac (per Assessor) Year Built: 1961 / 1980 (per Assessor) 6 EXHIBIT 2 – Wilmore-Davis Elementary School – Property Profile Address: 7975 W. 41st Avenue Zoning: Residential-Two (R-2) Site Size: 314,939 sf / 7.23 ac (per Assessor) Year Built: 1955 / 1980 (per Assessor)