Transition planning has begun for TCAPS' Long Range Master Planning (LRMP) recommendations that were approved by the TCAPS Board of Education on May 14, 2007. The recommendations reinforce TCAPS’ focus on student achievement as the highest priority, on maintaining the quality and variety of the curriculum, on keeping class sizes as small as possible, and value giving parents choices (such as open enrollment, preschool, kindergarten options, Montessori, and so on). TCAPS’ Administration will conduct a series of public meetings at nine elementary schools to review criteria for identifying school closings. The meetings follow recommendations for developing a district-wide Long Range Master Plan. On May 14^th, TCAPS Board of Education approved recommendations, which included: “Close up to three elementary schools in the fall of 2008.”

Given the challenge of state funding for public education, TCAPS recognizes that maintaining programs and small class sizes is more important for student learning than continuing to keep buildings open. School closings and redistricting will be challenging for those that are affected.

The purpose of the meetings will be to share criteria, present information on how criteria are being used to evaluate specific buildings, and gather public input. Meeting locations, dates, and times follow:                                      

All meetings are open to the public. Community members interested in participating may attend the meeting location of their choice. Please contact Assistant Superintendent Dr. David Dean at 933-1759 for more information.