Middle School Consolidation Study Community Feedback
The Bellevue School District — like many statewide — is experiencing an enrollment decline. One that demographers expect to continue for the next several years. Because the state funds education through a per-pupil allocation, declining enrollment has resulted in a budget shortfall. Both the enrollment decline, and the financial impacts were identified last school year when the district responded by making budget cuts and consolidating elementary schools. This year, the district is studying the possibility of consolidating middle schools along with other options. No decision has been made.
Community Forum Feedback
To gather input from the community, forums were held at each of the five middle schools, there were six online forums, including in Spanish, Mandarin and Korean, a district-wide survey was conducted, and middle school staff met to provide feedback. Additional outreach is ongoing as the district seeks to ensure that all voices are heard, and that those furthest from educational justice are well-represented in the feedback. Approximately 750 participants attended the community forums and approximately 1,300 completed a survey. A summary of the districtwide feedback can be found below, along with summaries and raw notes from each meeting.