High School Transformation Plan

At the September 10th District Parent Advisory Council (DPAC) meeting, Superintendent Green and Board Chair Pam Costain acknowledged that high school transformation was front and center on the list of pressing issues, along with strategic planning and facilities reuse.  They will be seeking parent advice on the High School Transformation Plan at our DPAC meeting on October 22, and the administration will be presenting several options for Board consideration on October 23.  There may be substantive changes for 08-09 beyond the elimination of entrance requirements and clarified placement processes for oversubscribed small learning communities (SLC's), with the primary goal a reduction in inequities in high school offerings.  Ideas generated at the September and October Area C Parent Forums could be included in the discussion DPAC has with the Superintendent on October 22nd. Although the Board presentation occurs on October 23, it may be several weeks after that before a decision is rendered.

The two high school s in Area C, Southwest and Washburn, have both citywide and attendance area SLC's.  In addition, many Barton students attend South Liberal Arts or Open, which is in Area B.  For more information on SLC's available to your child, see the this site for SLC's available and a map (SEE MAP), or this site that identifies high school attendance area by street address.  We currently have three oversubscribed high school programs popular with Area C students: Southwest IB, South Open, and South Liberal Arts.  Craig Vana is scheduled to address placement policies in these programs at the upcoming Area C Parent Forums. So, please take the opportunity to attend an area council parent forum this year:

Weds, Sept 19 -- Anthony Middle School
Thurs, Oct 11 -- Lake Harriet Upper
Thurs, Nov 8 -- Anwatin Middle School
Thurs, Dec 6 -- Ramsey Fine Arts

All meetings are 6:30-8:30, child care is provided, and translation is available upon request.

Click to view the Plan for High School Transformation - Phase 2.  This document was developed after the June 28, 2007 Supreme Court decision that race cannot be used by public school districts in making student placements to balance school demographics.  DPAC members received this handout at the August meeting.  The time line is somewhat outdated.  School choice materials will be developed after the Board's decision on high school programming in late October or early November.  We expect to hear specific dates of open houses and choice material due dates presented at the September 19 meeting.