UPDATE FOR 2013 - Jan. 18, 2013

Junior High - 6th Grade

Next year (2013-14) in our newly renovated Junior High it will house grades 6th, 7th, and 8th. This will be a change from this year where currently our 6th grade is in the elementary school. We have discussed pros and cons with teachers, administrators, and parents. I have also analyzed test scores from when the sixth grade was in a Junior High setting and in an elementary setting. The results showed that our scores are increasing in both settings which falls in line to what we are doing as a district as well. We will have one principal that handles the Junior High grade levels. The elementary building will be Pre-K through fifth grade starting next year. Moving the sixth grade will free up space in the elementary building.

We trended upward this year with our enrollment which is a positive sign for the district. We however will still not have all day every day kindergarten next year. This will be a topic of discussion this winter. We are planning on having a couple board work sessions to discuss topics like this and where we want to go together as a district. As a result of the changes in the state standards, added emphasis on testing, and the thirrd grade reading guarantee, we are going to have to embrace these changes and do more to make sure all of our students achieve success.

Plan for Students 2012-13

Significant changes begin for the 2012-13 school year. Students in grades PK - 6 will be located at the new elementary school in Tontogany.

The existing Junior High School is undergoing total renovation. All seventh and eighth graders will attend Junior High at the old Grand Rapids Elementary School beginning in August 2012.

It is anticipated the renovation project will not take longer than one school year (2012 – 2013). The newly renovated Otsego Junior High should open no later than August 2013.

No new tax dollars were necessary to complete the new elementary school construction and the renovation of the junior high school. To follow is the schedule for both the new elementary construction and renovations to the existing Junior High School. BOTH WILL BE COMPLETED AT NO ADDITIONAL EXPENSE TO THE LOCAL TAXPAYERS OF THE OTSEGO LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT.

SUMMARY OF PHASE 2***

Phase 2 includes construction of a new PK – 6 school, renovation of junior high school, and demolition of existing elementary school buildings.

Phase 2 Adjusted Master Facility Plan Cost after Subtraction of ELPP

***Otsego participated in an Expedited program and local taxpayers paid for all costs and received credit towards Phase 2.

SUMMARY OF TOTAL OSFC PROJECT*

*Includes new high school building, renovated junior high school building, new elementary school building. (Also includes demolition cost for four schools.)