In recent weeks I have been asked several times about how Shenandoah might respond to the recent announcements that were made about the Essex school district at a public meeting. I have tried to be careful to not assume too much or make statements that I cannot validate, but I do believe I can share some information today that will help provide some insight.
Essex held a public meeting to share information about their financial circumstance and talk about the need to consider whole grade sharing in 2020-2021. At this meeting, they asked for input about which schools the patrons of the Essex district would like to consider as a whole grade sharing partner. Naturally, Shenandoah was one of those options as it has a contiguous border and is only 6 miles from Essex. Clarinda, Red Oak, and Stanton are other districts that are being considered.
On February 1st, I received an email request for information about the Shenandoah district specifically asking about:
What type of sharing would our district be willing to consider with Essex? If it was whole grade sharing would it be K-12, 7-12, or 9-12? and Is there other sharing options we would like to consider?
These are all valid questions and are good think about as districts look to whole grade share or partner with other districts. In response, the district provided the information requested and some additional information about the district in video format. The videos create a visual and make a connection that is difficult to achieve through written documents.
Shenandoah has responded verbally and in writing that we have a strong interest in working together to develop a cohesive and consistent long-range plan the would potentially lead to full consolidation. Knowing this is a very bold response on the part of both districts, we are open to considering 7-12 whole grade sharing inclusive of all activities as an initial step and good faith action. We would also consider a k-12 whole grade sharing solution.
Other possibilities include giving consideration to operational sharing of some of our administrative services such as what we currently do with South Page and the Shenandoah Business Office.
I should further clarify these are not the only options Shenandoah is willing to discuss or consider. When Jean Fitcher and I met with Paul Croghan and Tyler Johnson we expressed strong interest in working with Essex in a collaborative manner and would be open to discussing a wide range of options as long as it is cohesive, consistent and long range in nature. While consolidation is a desirable outcome at some point in the future, we did not suggest or specify a timeline in which any action towards this would be expected. Consolidation is possible at some point, but if whole grade sharing is sustainable we would consider that a viable solution to continue until it is not financially feasible to continue.
Different people have asked what would happen to the Essex facilities. We do not know the complete answer to this question. If we were to whole grade share 7-12, Essex would be able to continue their elementary program in their existing building. It may be possible to consider sharing gym space or other components of the facility or programs. To answer some of these questions we need to be able to work in collaboration with Essex to further understand what is available and desirable so we can find common ground to build upon as decisions are made that are in the best interest of all of our students.
I appreciate Essex’s request for information and invitation to have an initial conversation. It is our hope that the information provided and the conversations held will serve as a foundation for future collaboration between our schools and communities. It is my belief that if we continue to work with Essex in a collaborative manner we will be able to provide greater learning opportunities for our students in both districts. It is good for students, schools, and communities when we make good faith efforts to do so.
