Education

Option 3 - HUGE IMPACT on PESH classes offered and student enrollment

Monday night, a group of concerned parents and teachers and neighbors attended a quickly called meeting at PESH in the cafeteria. The discussion addressed Option 3 plan as proposed by the School district.

The first point expressed was the redistribution of the student population attending the 3 senior high schools. If we applied Option 3 to this school year's attendance numbers we would have -
        1,883 in PESH (currently 2,803 students - functional capacity 2,867),
        3,075 in PSHS (currently 2,626 - functional capacity 2,726), and
        3,355 at PWSH (currently 1,947 students - functional capacity 2,600).
The above proposed changes dramatically redistributes the student population. There were no numbers provided for the magnet school. (Information obtained from PISD website)

PESH would maintain its UIL ranking of 5A. It would be a small 5A school. If we use the current student population at PESH and their residency, it appears the school's extra curricular programs would be "decimated". Who knows what the affect on the Honors and AP classes would be? If student enrollment decreases by approximately 1,000, courses other than electives would be reduced too. The football program would decrease by 62%. For additional impact on electives, see below -

IMPACT OF OPTION 3 TO PLANO EAST ELECTIVES

Organization       Now   Option 3
Tennis                  25     10
Drill Team            50     23
Band                  205     82 Currently 4 performing ensembles, down to 1
Choir                 110      35 Currently 6 performing groups, down to 2
Orchestra           140     44 Currently 4 performing ensembles, down to 1
Jazz Band            23        2 Course would not be offered
Ath. Trainers       24      10
Softball               30       14
Speech/Debate    26       22
Girls Soccer        50       18
Theatre MS        23        20
Cheer                 26        13
Music Theory     125      30 Currently 5 classes, down to 2

Band directors would go from 3 positions to 1 position
Orchestra Directors would go from 1-1/2 positions to ½ position

The feeling is Option 3 has already been decided. As East side parents, we should insist on balance enrollment by keeping Clark an East side feeder school instead of the proposal of Clark students attending PSHS. The balance enrollment if CLARK STAYS EAST would approximately be-
        2,600 in PESH (currently 2,803 students - functional capacity 2,867),
        2,554 in PSHS (currently 2,626 - functional capacity 2,726)

Also, the ramifications of change to Williams High School was discussed. Supposedly no structural remodeling would occur if changed to a magnet school but $600,000 would be requested for equipment. The students who live near Williams and would come to McMillen may have a difficult time being able to participate in extra-curricular activities if transportation is not provided. I know having a neighborhood school offers numerous benefits that these kids will lose.

The International Baccalaureate program will remain at East. PISD does not have control of where IB programs are offered. Last night it was expressed, that there may be an impact on the pre IB classes offered at Clark(?).

PISD school board should not be voting on option 3 until there is a "plan" that defines what the magnet school will offer, projected enrollment, costs of implementing option 3... We will potentially have Williams High School not being used to its full potential as well as PESH. We recently approved the completed Fine Arts addition and a Science Wing at PESH. The projected student population of 1,883 would have the school at 65% of capacity. The student population growth for PESH is not expected to grow dramatically over the next 10 years. There are few new developments being built as we East residents know. Obviously PSH and PSWH would need remodeling based upon the estimated population of over 3,000 when functional capacity of the campuses are 2,726 and 2,600 respectively.

Is Option 3 fiscally responsible? With one senior high school only being 65% at capacity and the others being over capacity? If Clark stays East then the resulting student population at the senior high schools would be close to functional capacity.

I know there are other issues, I'm just a little overwhelmed with the thought that we've only known about the option 3 plan for 3 weeks? and it is being considered for a vote by the board on December 15th???

If you can attend the meeting tonight at Sockwell Center at 6:30, please wear black. We would like to show a united front. If you can come early, please do. No questions will be accepted. If you wish to speak to the School Board, you are limited to one minute. The thought is at this point is that Option 3 will be approved. What we are requesting is to "tweek" the current Option 3 proposed to KEEP CLARK EAST which will balance the PISD student enrollment and not affect the PESH student's electives, AP and Honor courses that are offered.

Carrolyn Moebius