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Demographics & Feasibility Study
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Demographics and Feasibility Study
August 2011
 
Background:
On August 17, 2011, a Demographics and Feasibility Study Report was presented at a Special Meeting/Voting Session of the North Allegheny School Board. The School Board initiated this study in September 2010 and authorized the retention of a team of consultants to work with District administration to begin the work.

Status of Project:
Prior to the presentation of the Report, Dr. Raymond Gualtieri, Superintendent of Schools, emphasized to the Board and the community members in attendance that this project is in the preliminary/research phase. He does not anticipate that any significant changes relative to this study could be implemented until the beginning of the 2013-2014 school year. The adjustment of middle school attendance zones, which would affect approximately 70-80 students, may be considered for the 2012-2013 school year.

Highlights

Peak Enrollment: The projections of the demographic study indicate the highest enrollment over the next decade for the North Allegheny School
District is anticipated to occur in the 2014-2015 school year, when total enrollment is expected to peak at 8279.  This number reflects 75 more students than are currently enrolled for the 2011-2012 school year.

Building Capacity:  A building capacity analysis was done for every school in the District.

  • The formula for establishing capacity was based upon the calculation of 25 students per classroom in elementary and middle schools and 25 students per typical classroom and 20 students in art and science labs in the high schools.

  • The capacity analysis also took into consideration the assignment of all rooms currently used for art, music, special education, and other unique instructional purposes.

  • It was discussed that planned capacity for elementary buildings should be a target less than 100%,  to accommodate for the routine operational needs of the elementary program and unforeseen circumstances.

Physical Conditions Analysis:  The physical condition of the facilities and grounds at Bradford Woods Elementary School, Marshall Elementary School, and Marshall Middle School were evaluated, due to the age of these buildings.
 
The approximate cost of the recommended upgrades/renovations to each school are:
Bradford Woods           $14,040,013
Marshall Elementary     $18,602,392
Marshall Middle            $27,146,037
Facility Utilization:  Upon review of building capacity, current enrollment, and anticipated peak enrollment, the study makes two conclusions:
  • The District has approximately 605-699 excess seats at the elementary level.
  • The middle school enrollment is not evenly distributed among the three middle schools under the current District school assignment plan.

Options for Addressing Elementary and Middle School Concerns:  The study identified three potential options for further study:
  • Option 1:  Maintain all buildings; redistrict middle school attendance zones (70-80 students); renovate three buildings.
  • Option 2:  Close Bradford Woods; create 4 additional classrooms at McKnight; redistrict elementary and middle school attendance zones; renovate Marshall Elementary and Marshall Middle.
  • Option 3:  Close Bradford Woods and Peebles Elementary; create  4 additional classrooms at McKnight; build an addition at Franklin Elementary; redistrict elementary and middle school attendance zones; renovate Marshall Elementary and Marshall Middle.
Next Steps:  The administration and the consultants will continue to review potential costs and cost savings relative to each of the options outlined.  The School Board will provide some additional input to the project team relative to the direction of their research.  Inparticular, a redistricting of elementary students will be added to the further study of Option 1.
  • At this time, the School Board has not indicated any preference in regard to the options presented by the study.
  • Final recommendations for consideration by the School Board are tentatively scheduled to be presented in February 2012.
  • This timeframe would allow for the necessary community hearings in the spring of 2012, should the School Board decide to consider the closing of a school(s).
  • If the closing of a school(s) would become a consideration, the School Board vote would be tentatively scheduled for June 2012.
  • If the School Board were to vote to close a school(s), the administration would use the 2012-2013 school year to plan and transition in the best possible way for students, teachers and the NA community.

Communications:  These highlights will be updated as newinformation becomes available.  Residents who have input or questions are invited to participate in the community blog on this topic on the District website.  All postings must be signed and will be reviewed for appropriate content prior to being added to the live blog conversation.