School administrators say a draft version of a school facilities report â which recommends closing four elementary schools and merging two high schools to address declining enrollment and $150 million-plus in deferred maintenance and other costs â isnât the final word on the issue.
A draft copy of the school facilities audit, prepared by MGT Consulting Group, suggests closing the Hallsville, Gossler Park, Smyth and Wilson elementary schools.
Other recommendations include merging Manchester School of Technology (MST) and Manchester Memorial High School, and moving Manchester High School West students to Central High School temporarily so West can be renovated.
The recommendations are being made to address years of declining enrollment and so-called âempty seatsâ in local schools, which MGT estimates will cost the Manchester School District (MSD) $1.9 million this fiscal year.
A draft copy of the audit suggests closing the Hallsville, Gossler Park, Smyth and Wilson elementary schools.
Other recommendations include merging Manchester School of Technology (MST) and Manchester Memorial High School, and moving Manchester High School West students to Central High School temporarily so West can be renovated.
The recommendations are being made to address years of declining enrollment and so-called âempty seatsâ in local schools, which MGT estimates will cost the Manchester school district (MSD) $1.9 million this fiscal year.
âThe data are clear â MSD has too many buildings for the number of students it serves,â concludes the report. âAbsent changes in student recruitment and retention, enrollment will continue to decline over the next ten years.â