Academics
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What are the academic benefits of combining campuses?
There are several academic benefits to combining campuses:
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Consolidating small campuses increases instructional consistency within the feeder pattern
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Combining all middle grades in a single campus minimizes transition points for students
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Increasing enrollment allows for additional course offerings and extracurricular opportunities
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Staffing a single large campus decreases administrative costs, redirecting funding towards instruction
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Consolidating can improve educational outcomes by providing modern resources and specialized programs
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Having a larger comprehensive campus allows the improved facilities to include classrooms and labs for hands-on student experiences
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More space and more teachers teaching common content allows for enhanced staff collaboration
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Bringing together smaller campuses facilitates building a more cohesive school community
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Modern learning environments will prepare students to compete in a global economy
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Larger middle school environments simulate the high school experience and will minimize students' acclimation time
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How will community be fostered in such a large campus?
Community is fostered on a campus through student, parent and community partnerships. Campus Leadership would work diligently to foster communication amongst stakeholders and create opportunities for students and families to become actively involved and engaged at the campus. Fort Worth ISD principals and staff are expertly trained in building community, uplifting students, and connecting with families. The district has the highest faith in their ability to do this.
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Will this impact curriculum, specifically honors?
There will not be an impact on honors course work. All course offerings that are currently offered at the sites, will continue. In fact, the merger will create access and opportunity for all students due to combining resources.
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How will the district help schools transition administrators, teachers, and students smoothly?
We have successfully transitioned schools in previous years when we opened new buildings or when we consolidated other 6th grade centers. The district will work to provide the same support and services for this transition as well, should the board make the decision to combine campuses. A transition plan will begin one year in advance of the move to prepare students, staff and parents for the transition.
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How will merging the schools improve math and reading scores?
Combining the expertise and resources of the teachers and staff of these campuses will give them an opportunity to work together for the betterment of the education of all kids. The district will continue to provide support to teachers and staff. Teachers will likely only need to teach one grade level instead of splitting to teach two core subjects in two different grade levels. If campuses are merged, planning practices will be strengthened to allow for a team of teachers (3-5) to engage in Professional Learning Communities each week to ensure strategies and practices are aligned.
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What happens to the quality of teachers over the next few years? Will teachers leave because they know the school is closing?
We understand that culture is an important factor for all staff across our district and remain committed to support each other and provide opportunities for transparency and inclusivity so that each member of the FWISD family is aware of the value they bring to the team in service to our students, families and each other.
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Will the mascot change? What will that look like?
This decision has not been made. Stakeholders will be involved in this decision should the Board of Trustees vote to combine the schools.
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How is the district going to handle any job losses if the schools were to merge?
There are positions that are traditionally handled only by one person in admin, libraries, and some fine arts.
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Is there going to be new classes in STEM?
If schools are consolidated, this would mean larger student enrollment numbers. Consequently, increased enrollment, allows staffing allocations to compliment student enrollment. If students’ interests and course tracking reveals the need for additional STEM courses, and the potential consolidation is decided upon, we will consider additional courses in STEM or for any other content.
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When did FWISD have open enrollment?
A student may enroll at any school designated as their home school. Home school designations are determined by the students’ home address. If a student has a special circumstance for not enrolling at their home school, these cases are reviewed individually
Data/District
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When will the vote take place to start the design?
The vote is currently scheduled for May 28, 2024. This is subject to change.
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Will taxes increase? What is the estimate?
No. The voters have already approved the bond. Any changes to property taxes will be based on home evaluations which are not under the control of FWISD.
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How are you going to enlarge facilities when there are talks about layoffs?
The proposal combines campuses into one building that will be more efficient. This will, in the long term, save on utilities and maintenance costs.
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How was the community notified?
Families of the middle and elementary schools in the feeder patterns impacted received multiple emails, phone calls, and social media updates about the community meetings. The district also put together a website it will continue to push to families with information.
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Is this the best use of public funds?
The Board of Trustees will make this decision.
Facilities
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Why not just fix each school?
If the schools are not combined, renovations will proceed; however, the budget is not sufficient to address all of the deficiencies in each building.
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Will the final design be presented to the school staff and parents before construction begins?
Yes. And, we will invite school staff, parents and students to participate in design charrettes.
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How many residents (non FWISD employees) have been involved in the generation of this presentation?
Administration has been working with the architects to identify what is possible given a variety of factors, including the condition of the buildings, budget, etc. The presentation is focused on the results of the feasibility study and designed to elicit feedback from the community.
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Why not upgrade both campuses to meet TEA standards?
Unfortunately, the budget is not sufficient to address all of the deficiencies in each building or to renovate/expand to align with TEA standards.
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As of right now we have a bussing problem in the district. How do we combine schools and transport children sufficiently?
The Transportation Department is working to improve the services provided to FWISD students. They are committed to safe & reliable transportation should the schools be combined.
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Given children walk to school on Mississippi Ave. and it’s already congested, how will the district address this?
This will be taken into consideration during the design phase.
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Shouldn’t you be talking to elementary parents since this impacts future middle school kids?
We have invited the families of all elementary families at all feeder schools impacted by the decision to participate in the meetings.
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Why were these two schools chosen?
Enrollment continues to decline within this feeder pattern for a variety of reasons. Feasibility studies were conducted to determine if it would be possible to combine the campuses into a new facility without disrupting students and maintaining the current attendance boundaries.
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What would happen to the Viking Market? Would permanent space be provided?
This would be considered during the design phase.
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How will bond allocations for closed schools be reallocated?
Bond funds will be allocated for the construction of the new facility should a decision be made to combine the schools.
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Will there be any Black-owned construction companies used on any of the proposed projects?
Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) will have the opportunity to compete for the proposed projects.
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William James is a Historic Landmark. Have the Historic Society been notified about the proposed changes?
Williams James is not on the National Register of Historic Places.
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If William James is torn down will Texas Wesleyan purchase the land or building?
There have been no discussions with Texas Wesleyan regarding the purchase of the land or the building.
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What has been the reason for delay on renovations from the 2021 bond?
Renovation projects are currently happening across the district. These particular projects will commence once a decision is made by the Board of Trustees.
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How does the athletic field at Texas Wesleyan factor into the options?
There have been no discussions with Texas Wesleyan regarding the options.
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With safety a top priority, will the campus be fenced like the charter schools?
FWISD will follow all safety guidelines established by the Texas Education Agency. Fencing is dependent upon the specifications of the campus.
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Will the district communicate the actual plan land take feedback on the building site ideas before groundbreaking?
Yes, meetings will be held with stakeholders to support transparency of the process.
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If Morningside MS has more acres, why is the building proposal smaller in square feet?
The design is based on the FWISD technical design guidelines to meet the needs of the students based on projected enrollment.
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Will schools still be provided with resources and funding during build up?
Schools will continue to receive the resources needed to support the instructional program. In addition, general maintenance will continue as specific needs arise.
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What happens to the vacant middle school?
This has not been determined.
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Is William James a historical site?
No.
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How much input will STEM, other teachers have on facility plans?
Teachers will have the opportunity to provide input during the design of any new campus.