Dalton Public Schools will host a public meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 6:30 p.m. to initiate a study group to examine and recommend solutions to address facilities and program needs due to increased secondary enrollment. The meeting is scheduled in the Commons area at Dalton High School.
The Dalton Board of Education directed Superintendent Jim Hawkins and district staff to form the study group and report back to the board no later than September 2014.
The study group members will commit to meeting at least twice a month from January through April, with additional subgroup meetings as necessary, to research and develop a recommendation to the board.
This effort is necessary due to the increasing enrollment in grades 6-12. The facilities at Dalton Middle School and Dalton High School are approaching student and program capacity, even considering the expansion just begun at Dalton Middle School and the expansion completed at Dalton High School in 2009.
Since 2000, the district has opened Dalton Middle School, Morris Innovative High School, two new elementary schools, expanded Dalton High School, and renovated each of the other four elementary schools to increase student capacity. Dalton Middle School will open next year with additional classrooms, an auxiliary gym, and additional cafeteria space which are under construction. Even with these capital improvement projects which have provided additional space and programs, increasing enrollment affects the district's ability to provide appropriate facilities.
"District administration and the board are striving to find a way forward to continue the traditions of excellence with our middle and high school students," said Jennifer Phinney, director of school support and co-leader of the secondary study group. "The addition at Dalton High School and the creation of Morris Innovative High School allowed the district to postpone this conversation until the worst of the financial crisis was over. However, with the continuing rise in enrollment, the time has come for a community conversation about what solutions best meet our students' needs."
District staff will provide enrollment data, projected enrollment increases, information from prior meetings/discussions over the last two years related to increasing enrollment challenges, and outline the work that lies ahead. Those attending the meeting will participate in identifying issues that should be considered as the committee works toward a recommendation. Finally, individuals will be nominated to form a smaller working group that will devote head, heart and hours to the task of this study group over the next 10 months.
The study group will make its recommendation to the Dalton Board of Education whose members will make the final decision on any changes.
"The work of this committee and any decisions made will play a pivotal role in the future of Dalton Public Schools and our community," said Craig Harper, chief administrative officer and co-leader of the study group.