The Kettering Board of Education has approved a plan to merge its two middle schools, Van Buren and Kettering, into a single, unified campus starting next school year. The move aims to streamline educational services and address fiscal challenges posed by aging infrastructure.
All middle school students in the district will attend classes at the current Kettering Middle School building on Glengarry Drive. District officials have confirmed the consolidation will not result in staff reductions.
Key Takeaways
- Van Buren Middle School and Kettering Middle School will merge into one campus next school year.
- The unified school will be located at the current Kettering Middle School facility.
- The decision is driven by both educational goals and financial responsibility, particularly the cost of maintaining the 77-year-old Van Buren building.
- The district states there will be no layoffs or staff reductions as a result of the merger.
- Informational meetings for parents and staff are scheduled throughout November.
A New Chapter for Middle School Education
Kettering City Schools is preparing for a significant change in its educational structure. The Board of Education's recent decision will bring all of the district's 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students under one roof for the first time.
This consolidation will utilize the existing Kettering Middle School facility, a move the district believes will create a more cohesive learning environment. According to a district spokesperson, the goal is to enhance the overall educational experience by fostering greater collaboration among students and staff from across the city.
Superintendent Mindy McCarty-Stewart expressed strong support for the plan, emphasizing the thorough review process that led to the decision.
"We are confident that the end result will be incredibly positive and enriching for every single one of our middle school students. With the amount of data and information we have gathered, we truly believe this is the best option moving forward for all of our middle school students and staff, districtwide."
Fiscal Responsibility and Facility Upgrades
A primary driver for the merger is financial prudence. The board highlighted the significant maintenance costs associated with older school buildings. Specifically, the Van Buren Middle School building, which has served the community for 77 years, requires substantial upkeep.
Aging Infrastructure
The Van Buren Middle School building is 77 years old, making its maintenance and modernization a significant financial challenge for the district.
By consolidating operations into a single, more modern facility, the district expects to achieve long-term cost savings. These funds can then be redirected toward educational programs and resources that directly benefit students.
Expanded Opportunities for Students and Staff
The district anticipates that a unified middle school will offer tangible benefits for students. Officials state that a larger, combined student body will allow for increased flexibility in elective courses. This could mean more diverse offerings in areas like arts, technology, and career exploration.
Furthermore, the merger is expected to create more opportunities for students to participate in clubs, sports, and other extracurricular activities. A larger school can often support a wider variety of programs that cater to different interests.
Commitment to Staff
District leadership has made it clear that the consolidation is not a cost-cutting measure aimed at personnel. They have publicly stated there are no plans to lay off or reduce staff as part of the merger, ensuring job security for teachers and support personnel.
Community Engagement and Next Steps
To ensure a smooth transition and address community questions, Kettering City Schools has scheduled a series of informational meetings. These forums are designed to provide details to staff and parents from both schools involved in the merger.
The district encourages families to attend to learn more about the timeline, logistics, and the vision for the new unified middle school. The schedule for these meetings is as follows:
Upcoming Informational Meetings:
- Van Buren Middle School Staff: Nov. 5 at 7:50 a.m.
- Kettering Middle School Staff: Nov. 5 at 4 p.m.
- Van Buren Middle School Parent Forum: Nov. 10 at 6 p.m.
- Kettering Middle School Parent Forum: Nov. 12 at 6 p.m.
These sessions represent a critical step in the district's effort to maintain open communication with the community as it moves forward with this significant structural change.