Community meeting planned for school restructure, new initiative unveiling
Community meeting planned for school restructure, new initiative unveiling
Community members, parents, and stakeholders are invited to attend a public meeting to discuss the proposed restructure of Ralph Wilson Elementary and J.J. Johnson Elementary. This meeting will provide an opportunity for residents to learn about the potential changes, ask questions, and share their perspectives.
The proposed school restructure would move all grade levels from Ralph Wilson Elementary to J.J. Johnson Elementary, making J.J. Johnson a kindergarten through 5th grade elementary campus. Ralph Wilson’s campus, proposed to be renamed the Ralph Wilson Center of Opportunities, would be transitioned to a site to serve students who are over-age in the middle school setting.
In continuing our commitment to set all students up for success, this restructure will better serve students across our district. It will allow the district to intentionally target and enhance student academic, social, and emotional success by shifting students to a single elementary campus, while also assisting the district in executing a strategic plan designed to significantly enhance the performance of underperforming schools.
The Ralph Wilson Center of Opportunities will aim to decrease high school dropout rates by intervening with students earlier in their educational journeys to better set them up for success. Students served here will be those who were once on track academically but fell behind due to personal adversity or other factors. They will have access to a blended learning style including face-to-face teaching and asynchronous virtual learning. Goals of this new initiative include providing students with skills and knowledge leading to a work certification or credential, accelerating learning to achieve on-time graduation, identifying “near-peer” mentors in targeted industries to come alongside students, and more.
Certified personnel at both Ralph Wilson Elementary and J.J. Johnson Elementary will remain employed with the district if they choose following the restructure.
At the community meeting, school district officials will present details of the proposal, including potential impacts on students, staff, and resources. Attendees will have an opportunity to voice their opinions and ask questions during an open forum. The tentative plans were approved by the School Board via committee on March 27, but final approval is still needed by the full board before implementation.
The community meeting will take place on Monday, April 7, at 6 p.m. at Ralph Wilson Elementary. All are welcome to attend.