Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Facilities Planning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
District 49 unveils multi‑year Falcon zone facilities plan; board approves initial exploration
Summary
Superintendent Brian Smith and administration presented a plan to consolidate underenrolled Falcon zone elementary schools temporarily, repurpose properties and potentially sell Woodman corridor buildings to seed a new Falcon PreK‑8. The board approved initial steps to explore implementation.
District 49 administrators presented a multi‑year facilities strategy for the Falcon Zone on Sept. 24, proposing temporary re‑housing and long‑term construction to address enrollment pressures, building age and new nearby charter competition.
Superintendent Brian Smith and administration outlined a plan that would temporarily co‑locate Falcon Elementary and Bennett Ranch elementary in the larger Bennett Ranch facility to reduce operating inefficiencies and address class‑size imbalances. Administration proposed repurposing the existing Falcon Elementary campus as a home for the PEAK program and to expand preschool and applied‑learning opportunities there.
To fund a new Falcon PreK‑8 on the eastern edge of the district, administration presented appraisals for two Woodman corridor properties (the Mohawk building that currently houses PEAK, and the Education Service Center office building) and said proceeds could seed a down payment for construction. The administration emphasized these are appraisals and a sale would require a buyer and board approvals; they said any proceeds would be restricted for capital projects rather than used to fill operating budget shortfalls.
Board members asked about impacts on staff, transportation and timing. Administration said buses already serve the Falcon area and start‑time adjustments could mitigate travel impacts. Director Lemire Wright supported using one‑time property proceeds for capital investment and recommended a board resolution to bind intent and accountability; administration said a future bond or mill‑levy measure might be necessary to cover construction costs beyond any sale proceeds.
Board members heard that the Marzano K‑8 charter application was filed and is expected to attract some students; administrators framed the plan as a proactive competitive and fiscal strategy rather than a response to a single new operator.
The board approved initial steps to explore implementation and directed administration to continue detailed planning with staff, transportation and operations. Administration said they would return with more specific timelines, costs and community engagement plans as options crystallize.
