Proposed Upgrades to Ten Elementary Schools

WHEREAS: Inequities exist in building function and design among the ten elementary schools in Stevens Point. Programs are being compromised in buildings due to inadequate space.

Classes are taking place in closets, hallway corners, storage areas, trailers and stages; and

WHEREAS: Space needs continue to grow in public schools even as population size has declined slightly. Teaching methods are moving from teacher -centered to student-centered. This demands more hands on activities, computers and learning stations in classrooms to accommodate individual learning styles; and

WHEREAS: Space needs continue to grow because computer labs and stations are a necessary component of educating children in today’s society; and

WHEREAS: Space needs continue to grow as programs are added to schools that weren’t available to families twenty years ago such as: Learning Disabled, Emotional Disabled, Cognitive Disabled, English as a Second Language, Early Childhood Education, Title I, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Gifted and Talented, and all day kindergarten classes. Many of these programs are mandated by state and federal laws and our families in this community rely on these programs to educate their children; and

WHEREAS: Space needs continue to grow as our special education student population continues to grow; and

WHEREAS: Education is a dynamic, rapidly changing profession. Schools built in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s are not equipped to handle the demands of education today, let alone those of ten years from now; and

WHEREAS: Current building, street and sidewalk placements at some schools present significant safety hazards to children being dropped off and picked up at schools; and

WHEREAS: State Revenue Caps have prevented routine maintenance, and remodeling of our schools; THEREFORE BE IT

RESOLVED: The Stevens Point PTO Council and PTSA believe that all of the elementary schools need to be provided uniform standards of construction to ensure that all District children have the same educational opportunities, no matter where they live in this community; BE IT FURTHER

RESOLVED: The Stevens Point PTO Council and PTSA believe that all of the current programs offered in Stevens Point Schools are necessary and are an integral part of the education of our District’s school children in the 21^st century; BE IT FURTHER

RESOLVED: Design changes now at our elementary schools will provide district schools with optimal flexibility to adapt to on going program changes over the years; BE IT FURTHER

RESOLVED: The Stevens Point PTO Council and PTSA believe the safety of the District’s school children is a priority and must never be compromised; BE IT FURTHER

RESOLVED: The Stevens Point PTO Council and PTSA believe the maintenance and remodeling of schools, protects this community’s investments in district schools. Investments now will ensure the continuation of the high quality education this District has achieved in the past.