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Superintendent proposes merging Lincoln Bassett and Wexler Grant to address low enrollment and program isolation
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Negron presented a proposal to merge Lincoln Bassett and Wexler Grant into a single K-8 program to address declining enrollment, improve teacher collaboration and retain specialty classrooms; a test fit by Perkins Eastman found Lincoln Bassett could accommodate the combined student body.
Superintendent Dr. Negron told the board March 19 that the district will pursue a merger of Lincoln Bassett and Wexler Grant schools to address sustained enrollment declines and to improve instructional collaboration.
"This merger allows for greater teacher collaboration," Dr. Negron said, explaining that isolated grade-level teachers at each school would gain partner teachers and more shared planning time. She said architects from Perkins Eastman conducted a "test fit" and identified Lincoln Bassett as able to accommodate the combined enrollment while preserving specialty classrooms such as STEM, art, music and sensory rooms.
Dr. Negron framed the proposal as part of the district's Path to Excellence priorities, including operational efficiency and sustainability planning. She emphasized the plan maintains the current unified attendance zone so families would not face longer travel times and said a design team made up of staff, parents and community members will be formed to guide programming, master scheduling and building layout.
Board members praised the data-driven approach. Board Member Mr. Wilcox called the plan "a good first step" toward a longer-term 10-year facilities and operations plan. Board Member Dr. Joyner urged focus on supports for students at risk as the district implements facility and program changes.
No formal vote was taken on the merger at the meeting; Dr. Negron said the next steps include forming a design team and developing a community-informed program plan and timeline.
