Meeting Date: 5/8/09
Present:
Lizabeth Matthews
Kari Kling
Nadine Hart
Katy Cavanagh
Dr. Catalani
After briefing Ms. Cavanaugh and Dr. Catalani on the background and current status of the Kiva K-8 initiative, Kari Kling posed the following questions:
How did other schools in SUSD transition from K-6 to K-8 Models?
How did their decisions regarding a curriculum model impact their decisions?
The answer is dependent on if the change was based on program needs or space needs. For instance, at both ANLC and Cheyenne Elementary schools, the move toward K-8 was based on the program changes; meaning that both schools desired to become K-8 schools and created programs to support that change. Sequoya, Cherokee, and Cochise Elementary Schools’ changes were based on physical space needs.
Dr. Catalani continued the conversation about curriculum instruction generally drives the need for space changes. He explained that regardless of structure or program, curriculum has to be guaranteed. It would take at least a year to transition any curriculum changes. After a year of implementing the curriculum/program changes, the feasibility of a bond could be addressed. A question that would need some study would be,” Can we ask for space at one school when we have space at another school already?”
Dr. Catalani advised that we come back together as a Task Force and take a look at a timeline for our Task Force, keeping three things in mind:
- Kiva will begin 2009-2010 school year with a new principal.
- Economic Issues/Unknown Operating Budget
- Governing Board sensitivity to taking on anything that would be a negative impact.
