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District forms 26‑member transition team for Columbus–Edison boundary change; summer school and wraparound care planned at Edison
Summary
After the board’s boundary decision, district staff convened a transition team of 26 members from both schools, parents and neighborhood representatives and decided to host Columbus summer-school offerings at Edison so incoming students can meet their future peers.
Sherry Gabbi, director of school and student services, told the board the district convened a 26-member transition team after the board’s January decision about Edison boundaries, and the group held its first meeting last Wednesday to begin drafting a transition plan.
“The team is facilitated by Columbus Principal Joe Cannon, Edison Principal Katie Schmelzer, and myself,” Gabbi said. She said the team includes 10 staff from the two schools, nine Columbus and Edison parents (including several who made the transition this year), three community members and a district student‑services coach who works in both buildings.
Gabbi said the team reviewed a draft transition plan, added recommended activities for staff, students and families, and agreed to publish updates after one more meeting. To inform planning the district has distributed at least one electronic survey to Columbus families to verify next-year enrollment and will conduct an in-person survey at Columbus parent‑teacher conferences to collect transportation and wraparound-care needs.
What the district decided for summer: because Columbus historically had low enrollment in its summer program, the district will offer summer school for Columbus and Edison students at Edison beginning this summer. That decision was made in part so rising students can meet peers in the new attendance area, Gabbi said. The Boys & Girls Club will provide before- and after‑care at Edison and will transport any ABS (after-school) students from Columbus to Edison in a van for afternoon wraparound care.
Why it matters: the transition involves reassigning students and supporting families and staff during the consolidation; district staff said they want to preserve Columbus traditions where possible (for example, the bell‑ringing tradition for fifth graders) and to run a carefully staged communication program for families and community partners.
Next steps: the transition team will meet again next Wednesday to finalize the plan and break into subgroups to implement tasks; staff will publish regular updates and make team contacts available to families for input.
