FAQ – Future Operational Questions
No. The School Committee Class Size Policy will remain in place. Kindergarten through Grade 2: 16-20, and; Grade 3 through Five (16-22).
This project alone will not result in staff layoffs as most positions are based on the number of students we have in the District/grades, not the number of buildings that we maintain. Additionally, staffing levels are evaluated every year as part of the budgeting process in conjunction with student enrollment and other priorities of the District.
Space will not allow for the two programs to be combined. Northborough PreK will be housed in Northborough and Southborough Pre-School will be located at Woodward. If there is a solution to maintain the combined programs, it will be decided at the time.
Southborough Recreation organizes and runs the RAP programs. The District will continue to coordinate with the Recreation Department to bring RAP programming to students.
Yes. One of the many benefits of consolidating from three elementary schools to two is that it would reduce the number of spaces required for the District’s extended day program. Woodward and the new elementary school will house the programs. For families with students across multiple Southborough Elementary Schools, having the program housed in two buildings would minimize drop-off and pick-up challenges.
The consolidation of schools from 4 buildings to 3 will enhance the efficiency of facility maintenance and management in several ways:
Resource Optimization: With fewer buildings to maintain, the town can allocate maintenance resources, including staff, time, and funding, more effectively. This allows for quicker response times and better oversight of repairs and upkeep.
Cost Reduction: Reducing the number of buildings will lower overall maintenance costs, including utilities, cleaning, and routine repairs. This will free up budget for improving the remaining facilities.
Streamlined Operations: Managing fewer buildings simplifies scheduling, maintenance planning, and asset management, leading to more coordinated and proactive upkeep.
Energy Efficiency: Fewer buildings also mean less energy consumption, contributing to both cost savings and environmental benefits.
By consolidating the school facilities, the town can enhance the quality and timeliness of maintenance, ultimately ensuring that the remaining schools are better cared for and updated regularly.
The reduction of one school facility will result in a number of operational budget savings. First, the District facilities would be reduced by one and new buildings would be designed for maximum energy efficiency. Secondly, staffing will be maximized.
The school schedules would be simplified to two schedules: Grades PreK-1 and 2-5. This would reduce the number of transportation tiers and simplify busing for the District, caregivers, and students.