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Potential School Closure Information

 
 

Background Information

As we navigate the challenges of a changing educational landscape, one of the most pressing concerns is the gradual decline in student enrollment over the past decade. This trend has profound implications, not only for our immediate community but also for the structural integrity and future of our schools. The aging infrastructure of our facilities further complicates the fiscal outlook. Many of our school buildings, having served generations of students, are in need of significant repairs or upgrades.  Mitigation strategies are being evaluated, including the potential consolidation of schools and resources.
 
While the notion of school closures is difficult to contemplate, it may become a necessary step to ensure that the Nampa School District can continue to provide high-quality education in a sustainable manner. Such decisions will be approached with careful consideration, recognizing the impact on students, families, and staff, and with a commitment to transparency and community engagement throughout the process.
 
If you have questions, please scroll down past the FAQ's to submit and you can provide your feedback directly to the NSD Board of Trustees by emailing them at [email protected]
  • Union School
  • Nampa Academy
  • West Middle School
  • Snake River Elementary School
  • Central Elementary School
  • Greenhurst OR Centennial Elementary School
  • Gateways Program
  • Nampa Early Childhood Learning Center
  • Nampa Online Virtual Academy
West Middle School, Snake River Elementary, and Central Elementary schools will be closed. As part of this restructuring, boundaries will be redefined, and the students impacted will seamlessly integrate into other established schools. The building that currently houses West Middle School will be repurposed to accommodate Union School and Nampa Academy. The Snake River building will house the Gateways program and Central will house the Nampa Early Childhood Center (NECLC) and our online virtual academy, NOVA. 
 
  • West --> Union/Nampa Academy
  • Snake River --> Gateways Program
  • Central --> NECLC & NOVA
The buildings that will no longer be occupied will be razed. The term "razed" refers to the act of completely demolishing a building or structure. The buildings that would be razed are: 
  • Union School
  • Gateways 
  • Greenhurst OR Centennial - board of trustees will make the final decision
  • There will be a feedback survey sent to parents of NSD students on December 5th
  • Survey closes December 12th.
  • There will an NSD Board of Trustees listening session - 6:30 p.m. Dec 6th @ Nampa High School Little Theatre 
ESSER refers to the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funding provided by the United States government. These funds were allocated to help schools respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and address the educational disruptions caused by the public health crisis. The district has been using this funding the past 3 years and funding ends in September of 2024, resulting in a loss of $3.5 million per year. 
 
With ESSER funding ending, we must right size the number of schools or face large and small class size variance. 
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What is lottery money? 
 
Lottery money for schools refers to funds generated through state-sponsored lotteries that are earmarked for education.
 
What can this be used for? 
 
Lottery funds can only be used for: 
  • Maintenance - only at school facilities 
  • These funds can't be used for staffing 
 
NSD only receives approximately $1.2 million for 26 buildings. In comparison, the price of the new roof at East Valley Middle School cost $1.6 million. 
 
The Nampa School District's decision to close schools is not exclusively focused on Title 1 schools. It's important to note that in our district, all elementary and middle schools are designated as Title 1 schools. This means that our decision-making process for school closures is not based on the Title 1 status of the schools, but rather on other factors such as enrollment numbers, facility conditions, and overall financial efficiency. Our goal is to ensure the best educational environment for all students while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
The Nampa School District has been looking at this for quite some time.  2018 is when the NSD Board of Trustees asked for the development of the Facility Master Plan which due to COVID was completed and presented in July of 2022.  NSD Facilities History
This actually isn't and hasn't been a short timeline.  Here are a few points of information:
 
  • These discussions have been ongoing since 2018
  • Trustees could make a decision on school closures at the December 18th regular board meeting 
    • Decision on the number of schools before Winter Break
    • Decision on boundaries and student enrollment by Mid-March
  • Many staffing assignments are directly related to boundaries/enrollment/size of school
The selection of specific schools for consideration is based on several factors. Notably, the Greenhurst, Snake River, Centennial, Central, and West buildings currently operate with the smallest capacity limits, making them susceptible to challenges in accommodating students effectively. Furthermore, Central, Snake River, Greenhurst, Centennial, Park Ridge, and West have experienced substantial declines in enrollment, signaling a downward trend. These criteria highlight the need for a closer examination and potential restructuring of these particular schools to address capacity constraints and enrollment patterns.
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This decision is to be determined and can only be made by the board of trustees.
Prior to the pandemic, we saw a significant decline in student enrollment and attendance. Compounding this challenge, in 2022, the state, under Governor Little's veto of HB 723, transitioned from enrollment-based funding back to Average Daily Attendance (ADA), resulting in a substantial loss of $5.5 million per year in funding for the district. 
 
Statewide, schools switched to enrollment-based funding during the pandemic only. The state switched back to ADA in 2023-2024. 
 
 

 

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Currently, elementary schools are functioning at an average capacity of 67%. However, through the proposed school closures and reboundary process, there is the potential to increase this utilization to 80%.
 
Our middle schools are currently at the following capacities:
School Capacity
East Valley Middle School 67.6%
Lone Star Middle School
72.2%
South Middle School 63.3%
West Middle School 52.5%
Total Capacity 63.9%
 
If we re-distribute the students of West Middle School into the other three comprehensive middle schools, the district capacity would go to 85.2%.  With enrollment projections still trending down, we would likely be in the optimal range for the coming years.
 
This adjustment not only aligns with the goal of optimizing resources but also reflects a more efficient and effective use of available space.
 
If schools close, teachers will be reassigned to different schools within the district, accompanying students. The financial savings from these closures will primarily be allocated to maintain existing positions, compensating for the reduction in state funding and the conclusion of federal stimulus funds.
Should there be a closure of schools, the district will need to redraw the school boundaries, assigning each student to a designated neighborhood school. However, parents will have the option to either send their child to this assigned school or to apply for open enrollment at another school in the district. This choice empowers parents to select the school that best suits their child's requirements. This policy is applicable to both elementary and secondary school levels, where students are initially assigned to a specific high school but retain the option to open enroll in any other high school within the district.
The district has indeed evaluated the potential savings from implementing a four-day work week. While there are some financial benefits to this approach, they are not significant enough to address our situation.
The decision to close the recommended schools is expected to result in a district-wide cost saving of approximately $3.3 million. These savings primarily arise from the consolidation of resources. For example, having fewer schools means the district over time will need less administrators, office staff, paraprofessionals, counselors, and teaching staff.  These cost savings are crucial, especially in light of the shift in funding due to Average Daily Attendance (ADA) to enrollment changes and the eventual cessation of ESSER Federal Stimulus Funds. The funds saved will be reallocated to support and maintain other essential teaching positions within the district.
If the bond had passed, the main outcome would have been similar in terms of consolidating and closing certain schools. The recommendation from the Facility Master Plan reduces the number of schools. Had the bond measure been successful, the number of schools would have still been reduced. The significant change with the bond's approval would have been the reconstruction of Centennial Elementary, giving it a new modern, safer facility.
The decision to close schools within the Nampa School District is not influenced by whether a school is designated as Title 1, which is a status that could apply to any of our elementary and middle schools due to the number of students from low-income families. Our focus is instead on addressing issues such as declining enrollment and the capacity of each school facility. We are taking a comprehensive approach that considers the needs of all students, including those in poverty, to ensure we provide the best educational experience while being fiscally responsible.
In short, optimal efficiency in the educational setting refers to the judicious and effective use of taxpayer funds to address the educational needs of all students. Our district is committed to the regular evaluation of resource allocation to ensure that we are maximizing the benefits for our student body. For instance, if an elementary school with 250 students and another with 580 students both operate with the same number of office staff, the resource distribution is not appropriate. By considering school consolidation, we can reallocate staff more equitably, allowing us to serve a larger number of students more effectively and ensure our resources are utilized where they are most needed.
A trauma-informed school adapts its practices to ensure all students, especially those impacted by traumatic stress, have the supportive environment needed to thrive academically and personally. Trauma-informed practices in the Nampa School District are highly tied to professional development from Keith Orchard.  Currently 11 schools have received extended training.
In considering the future of our schools, we have explored various options. While there are always alternatives to consider, we need to focus on what is feasible and practical for our district. Our decisions are based on thorough research and planning from a 3rd party team to ensure that we are making choices that will best serve our students and community over the long term.
We're considering a change in the high school schedule as part of our strategies to use our funds more effectively. We aim to create a high school schedule where sections have as high as 85% of the workforce available for instruction each day. This not only increases teaching time but also helps us save on costs by potentially reducing the need for 20 full-time teaching positions. Our task force is exploring the best ways to make this happen without compromising the quality of our students' education.
Yes, moving to half-day kindergarten would save the district money, and it is being considered as part of our cost-saving measures. However, we are also mindful of the external factors that come into play with this change, such as the impact on working families, the need for childcare, and the potential effects on early childhood education. We are weighing all these aspects carefully as we consider this option.
Redrawing district boundaries is something we've looked into. However, this action alone wouldn't address our main challenges: declining enrollment and the deteriorating condition of some school buildings. Redrawing boundaries might balance student numbers across schools in the short term, but it doesn't solve the underlying issue of having fewer students overall or the costs of maintaining and updating aging facilities. These factors are driving our need to consider closing schools as a more sustainable, long-term solution.  If schools are closed, then a reboundary process will take place.
The redistricting issue involving students living near Nampa schools but attending Vallivue schools, which are facing overcapacity, has indeed been a topic of discussion. However, the process presents significant challenges. One of the primary concerns is the financial implication for Vallivue School District, which could potentially lose a substantial amount of state funding if the boundaries were altered. Additionally, redrawing district boundaries might affect local property tax rates, an issue that would directly impact homeowners. Beyond these considerations, there are further complexities, such as the potential changes to the representation on the Board of Trustees. This could alter the Trustee voting zones. Furthermore, adjustments in boundaries could have implications for Athletics and Activities Classifications at the state level. Each of these factors contributes to the complexity and potential repercussions of redistricting, making it a multifaceted and challenging proposition.
In the event of school closures, the relocation of current students would necessitate a comprehensive redrawing of school boundaries by the district. This essential process would be conducted with active participation and input from the community, ensuring that all voices are heard and considered. The goal of redrawing boundaries is to achieve a balanced enrollment across all schools within the district. This approach aims to ensure that each school can effectively accommodate its students, both in terms of resources and space, thereby maintaining a high standard of education and community involvement. The district is committed to a transparent and inclusive process to best serve the needs of all students and families affected.
Regarding the future of school buildings like Union (old Sunnyridge) in the event of approved school closures, the district is actively exploring a variety of options. The process is thorough and considers multiple potential uses for these facilities. However, until final decisions are made by the board, the specific plans for these buildings remain under consideration. We are committed to ensuring that any decisions made will be in the best interests of the community and the district. Once a definitive plan is established, we will promptly communicate this information to all stakeholders, ensuring transparency and clarity in our decision-making process.
The financial implications of the proposed school closures and repurposing efforts can be approximated as follows:
 
Initial Savings: In the short term, the savings from closing and repurposing selected schools may appear modest. However, these initial funds will be strategically reinvested to enhance and repurpose other facilities within the District, contributing to long-term financial and operational efficiency.
 
Annual Savings: The closure of three school buildings is projected to yield annual savings of over $600,000. These savings will stem from reduced expenses in utilities, custodial services, maintenance, groundskeeping, and other operational costs. This represents a significant decrease in the District's yearly operational budget.
 
Facility Condition Index (FCI) Improvement: The planned closures are expected to result in a 6% overall reduction in the District's Facility Condition Index (FCI), indicating an improvement in the overall condition and efficiency of district facilities.
 
Deferred Maintenance Reduction: The closures are also anticipated to reduce the District's deferred maintenance backlog by approximately $9 million. This reduction will release financial resources, allowing the District to address other critical maintenance needs more effectively.
 
Overall, while the immediate financial benefits may be limited, the long-term gains in terms of operational efficiency, reduced maintenance backlog, and improved facility conditions are considerable. These measures are aimed at optimizing the District's resources for the betterment of its educational environment and fiscal health.
In response to concerns about potential increased traffic and parking challenges at schools receiving additional students due to closures, the district is aware of these issues and is considering various solutions. While there are currently no definitive plans for extensive remodeling of parking lots or pickup areas at these schools, we are actively exploring ways to manage and improve traffic flow and parking efficiency.
In addressing the possibility of needing an additional middle school in the future, our current analysis suggests that such a requirement is unlikely in the near term. This assessment is based on several key factors: we are observing lower enrollment numbers in elementary schools, a trend towards lower birth rates, and the rising cost of housing in the area, all of which contribute to a stable or potentially decreasing student population.
 
Additionally, recent trends have shown a decrease in the number of students transitioning from elementary to middle school. This pattern further supports the projection that we will not experience significant growth in our middle school population in the near future.
 
However, the district remains vigilant in monitoring demographic and enrollment trends. Should the need for an additional middle school arise, we are prepared to revisit our facilities plan and explore viable solutions to accommodate any unexpected increase in student numbers while maintaining our commitment to providing quality education for all students.
In addressing the potential impact of closing West's 6-8 grades and the subsequent relocation of these students, we have conducted a thorough analysis of middle school class sizes across the district. Our findings indicate that many middle school classes currently have fewer students compared to our elementary school classes. Therefore, the closure of a middle school is not anticipated to significantly increase class sizes in the remaining middle schools.
 

Furthermore, it is important to note that the majority of the teaching staff from West Middle School would be reassigned to the schools where these students are relocated. This reallocation of staff is a strategic measure to maintain optimal teacher-to-student ratios and ensure that the quality of education is not compromised. Our goal is to continue providing an effective and efficient teaching environment, even in the face of necessary adjustments due to school closures.

While we understand the concerns regarding potential overcrowding in classes, our plans are designed to mitigate such issues and maintain a conducive learning environment for all students. The district is committed to regularly reviewing class sizes and making necessary adjustments to staff allocations to ensure that our educational standards are upheld.

In considering the closure of West Middle School and evaluating alternatives such as discontinuing non-self-sustaining programs, it's important to note the distinct nature and funding models of different programs within our district. NOVA, for instance, has been self-funding since its inception, operating independently of district financial support. This makes its sustainability distinct from the operational costs associated with running a traditional middle school like West.

 

Regarding The Ridge Middle School program, its future is currently under active discussion. One possibility being explored is integrating The Ridge into the Fusion Program. Alternatively, there is consideration of relocating these students to a comprehensive middle school in the next academic year. This decision is yet to be finalized, and discussions are ongoing to determine the best course of action.

 
Submit your questions below:
 
Facilities Master Plan
Past Board Meetings