Michelle, Lisa and I discussed holding a CAC meeting, but I really don't think one is necessary.
After lengthy discussions and reviewing the demographic projections for Mills, as well as the other schools affected by the boundary changes, I have told Michelle and Lisa that I think Plan 0 is acceptable. While I think we would benefit from more significant relief than Plan 0 provides, I don’t think there is really an acceptable alternative. With Plan 0 we will initially lose 100 students (on paper, anyway), with our enrollment projected to stabilize and then very gradually decline over the next 3 to 5 years. I anticipate losing between 2 and 4 classrooms, depending on how many fifth graders are grandfathered and how many siblings are granted transfers.
There is no decision that will appear "right" to everyone, but this seems to be the one that provides some measure of relief, while preserving neighborhoods and community.
Pat Butler, Principal
Mills Elementary School
841-2406
A note from Lisa and Michelle: We have always said we would work for what the parents and school leadership of Mills wants. We have been studying overcrowding relief at Mills for more than a year, and have suggested many options (which most of you are exploring on the blog now). Believe us, we have looked at everything. Throughout this process, we believe that we have always worked for what was best for the school and the students, and not just our families.
What's next?
The FUBTF will vote on a plan at the next meeting, Wednesday, November 18, and at that time we will make sure task force members know that our school leadership is behind Plan 0. The plan that's approved by the FUBTF task force will be presented to the Mills Campus Advisory Council on December 2 at 5:30pm. We will collect comments on the plan approved by the FUBTF at that meeting.
