Memo To: The Gainesville City Schools Parents and Students

From: The Gainesville City Board of Education and Superintendent

Date: November 9, 2001

Re: Elementary Schools Configuration

First, again, we wish to thank all members of our school community for your support with the September 18, 2001, Education SPLOST. All of us realize the need for additional elementary space and this successful campaign will allow us to grow from three to five elementary schools.

In November 2000, the School Board authorized a Facility Committee, comprised of community leaders and educators to study elementary school configurations. After researching and reviewing many options, recommendations were presented in February 2001, to create three elementary schools, serving students in grades Pre-K to grade 2, and two elementary schools serving students in grades 3 to 5.

In July 2001, when Dr. Steven E. Ballowe was named as the new Superintendent, several additional school configurations were identified. Dr. Ballowe recommended configurations that would comprise Pre-K to grade 5 programs and/or a Pre-K and K-Early Childhood Center, and four schools serving grades 1 through 5.

In September 2001, the Facility Committee was reconvened, and asked to make a recommendation in November for the elementary school configuration that would best serve our students, after reviewing past and new options.

The following timeline has been established to complete the school configuration study:

Monday, November 12, 2001	The School Facility Committee will meet
Monday, November 19, 2001	The School Facility Committee will provide an updated report to the Board
Tuesday, November 20, 2001	Information will be sent in English and Spanish to homes describing elementary school configurations and options being considered
Tuesday, November 27, 2001	Public Forum to be held at Enota Elementary School at 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, November 29, 2001	Public Forum to be held at Centennial Elementary School at 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, December 4, 2001	Public Forum to be held at Fair Street Elementary School at 6:00 p.m.
January 2002	Site visits by School Board Members
Monday, February 18, 2002	The Board will review all data and recommendations and approve an elementary school configuration plan.

We certainly look forward to input from all members of our school community. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact any member of the Board of Education, Dr. Steven E. Ballowe, Superintendent, or any of our building administrators.

Again, thank you for your support of the Education SPLOST. We look forward to receiving your input on our elementary school configurations, as we work together to nurture every child until their dreams become a reality.