Huron Schools considers consolidation

HURON — Huron Schools could see facilities changes in its future. Superintendent James Tatman and district officials hosted two public meetings this week at Huron Public Library to discuss possible consolidation of Huron Schools' buildings. Why is this happening? Huron Schools' declining enrollment and aging educational facilities have caused officials to look into possible consolidation. "The goal of consolidation is to reduce fixed expenses and increase educational benefits," superintendent James Tatman said. Last year, the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission, a state agency, assessed Huron Schools' buildings. After touring each campus, commission officials shared their findings and recommended: • A new single campus facility based on current and projected enrollment • The cost of renovation justifies new construction as opposed to renovation • A new building would require a bond issue on the ballot Huron Schools' current enrollment is 1,171 students, a 24% decrease from the 2009-10 school year when about 1,534 students attended the district, officials said. Tatman said consolidation would be a short-term fix that will bring "immediate savings." "The long-term solution requires community support and voter confirmation," Tatman said. "The desired outcome of this consolidation is to lower fixed costs now while the long-term solution is determined then implemented. The long-term project from start to use is multi-year, justifying this work for short-term gains on operational efficiencies." The two consolidation plans being considered are: Closing McCormick Junior High • Grades PK-3 would attend Shawnee Elementary building • Grades 4-8 would attend Woodlands Intermediate building • Grades 9-12 would attend Huron High School Projected savings: $71,000 Closing Shawnee Elementary • Grades PK-5 would be at the Woodlands Intermediate building • Grades 6-8 would be at McCormick Jr. High • Grades 9-12 and board office would be at Huron High School Projected savings: $73,550 "When considering long-term planning options of a single or dual campus design, McCormick and Shawnee are the two buildings least likely to be included in those plans," Tatman said. "While the long-term plan is not yet set, Huron High School and Woodlands have the greatest potential for renovation and addition if a new build is determined to not be the solution." "Existing facilities can support either of these (consolidation) arrangements based on current and projected student enrollment," Tatman continued. Features being weighed when considering which school to close include McCormick's stage, gym and locker room space, both schools' proximity to other district buildings for busing, among others. More information on Huron Schools' buildings can be found in Tatman's presentation on the district's website, huronhs.com. Questions and answers Huron Schools officials answered common questions stakeholders may have: Q: Will this consolidation and building closure address the district's long term facility needs? A: No, the proposed consolidation is a short-term move to help reduce the district's fixed-cost expenses. The district and community will need to develop a long-term facilities plan which takes time to develop and implement. Q: Why are Shawnee and McCormick the two buildings being considered for closure? A: In anticipation of the coming long-term facility planning, if renovation and addition to existing facilities is the selected path, the two most likely buildings would be Woodlands and Huron High School. Shawnee and McCormick are both anticipated to close as part of the long-term facility plan. Which building is the first to close needs to be determined. Q: What happens to the building that is closed? A: With the goal of the consolidation being to reduce fixed costs, the district will look to sell the property either in its current condition or after demolition of the building. Q: What happens to the staff currently assigned to the building selected to close? A: Staff reassignments will occur in all areas: administration, teaching and support staff. Staffing levels have been adjusted over time based on student enrollment so the current staffing levels align with the current student enrollment, regardless of the building configuration. Leadership assignments will align with the needs of the district and strengths of the individual. Q: Will closing a building mean a reduction in staff? A: Staffing levels are set based on student enrollment and service needs. This consolidation will not result in immediate reductions in staff but it will provide flexibility for staffing. This is anticipated to allow for staff reduction through attrition. When an employee leaves the organization (retirement or resignation,) replacement will be considered, not an automatic replacement. What's next? At the Dec. 20 public board meeting, Tatman will recommend one of the consolidation plans to Huron Schools board members. If the board approves Tatman's recommendation, work will begin to consolidate buildings for the 2023-24 school year. "If they vote 'no,' we will start next year in four buildings like we have this year," Tatman said. Anyone with additional questions can contact Tatman at jtatman@huron-city.k12.oh.us. Stakeholders can also send in their comments via the community feedback link on Huron Schools' website, huronhs.com. "All feedback is being considered when deciding the recommendation," Tatman said. Reach reporter Caitlin Nearhood at nearhood@sanduskyregister.com and follow her on Twitter @CaitlinNearhood