Board approves school-of-choice openings to support new IB middle program at Davidson

The Southgate Community School District Board of Education approved two school-of-choice plans on Jan. 14, 2025, that open seats for the district's expanding International Baccalaureate (IB) programming and set districtwide choice limits for kindergarten through grade 11.

Davidson Middle Academy principal Jessica Garcia, who is leading implementation of the district's middle years IB program, told the board the district has applied for IB candidacy and expects a decision by the end of the month; full authorization typically takes three to four years. She said the middle years program will begin next school year at the former Asher building with two sections each of sixth and seventh grade and that staff are coordinating shared services and scheduling with Davidson Middle School.

Garcia described the IB middle years curriculum as inquiry- and concept-based, with eight required content areas and added elements such as a design cycle and a community-service component. "The goal of the primary years program is really to prepare students for the middle years program curriculum," Garcia said. She outlined student expectations including a capstone community or personal project in 10th grade, the Theory of Knowledge course, extended essay requirements that span multiple years, and service hours tied to curricular work.

On the mechanics of opening seats, district staff presented the proposed school-of-choice allocations contained in two action items. Action Item L1, the 2025-26 School of Choice proposal for IB programming (Northpointe and the IB continuum), was approved. The board also approved Action Item L2, the 2025-26 School of Choice plan for K'11 and other programs; that motion passed with one member explicitly recording a no vote.

Key details presented to the board: - Northpointe / IB programming: proposed openings included roughly 25 spots per grade for incoming sixth and seventh grades at Davidson Middle Academy; additional openings for the IB primary program at Northpointe were listed as 25 kindergarten spots, 10 first-grade spots, 7 spots in second grade, 13 in third, 15 in fourth and 4 in fifth (these numbers refer to new school-of-choice seats and do not count current students who enrolled previously through school of choice). - District K'11 school-of-choice plan: staff described a districtwide approach that limits openings at Allen Elementary (no new school-of-choice seats except for siblings, because of boundary-area resident enrollment) while offering seats at Ford Lane, Shelter and Scrogan. The district described a total of 50 kindergarten openings across the four elementary buildings named and set targets such as 20 per grade for Davidson Middle School (grades 6'8) and 20 per grade for Anderson High School (grades 9'11). - Application requirements for IB admission were listed: an interest survey, submission of the student's report card, attendance and discipline history, a recommendation focused on approaches-to-learning skills, a parent letter of intent, any special education documentation needed for placement, and an interview with the principal (and possibly central office) as part of the enrollment process.

Garcia said the district has close to 20 families who have committed to Davidson Middle Academy and that the district is continuing outreach and information nights to recruit additional students. She indicated facility work planned for the Asher building in two phases: initial improvements (flooring, paint, furniture, technology) before opening and a second phase next year likely to address windows and other capital upgrades.

Why it matters: The district is expanding an IB continuum that district leaders say can yield college-credit opportunities for students and strengthen college and scholarship prospects. Garcia noted that IB external examinations are graded internationally and that colleges may award credit for high scores; she referenced examples (University of Michigan awarding two to 10 credits depending on exam scores) and said the IB organization is working with Michigan legislators on broader credit recognition for standard-level exams.

What the board did: The board approved both school-of-choice action items presented at the meeting: the IB-focused school-of-choice plan for Northpointe/Davidson Middle Academy (Action Item L1) and the district K'11 school-of-choice plan (Action Item L2). Both motions were moved and supported by board members and were adopted; the districtwide K'11 plan passed with one recorded no vote.

Looking ahead: The district will proceed with IB candidacy steps, continue recruitment and community engagement nights, finalize the Davidson Middle Academy schedule and staffing, and carry out the initial facility upgrades prior to opening in September as described by staff.