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OUSD outlines consolidation study to address declining enrollment; committee work set through June
Summary
Staff described a data-driven consolidation study focused on elementary and middle schools to analyze enrollment trends, facilities, program continuity, transportation and repurposing options; a staff-appointed committee of parents, labor partners and administrators will meet April–June to craft options for August board consideration.
Orange Unified staff updated trustees on a consolidation study intended to analyze declining enrollment at elementary and middle schools and to develop options that could enhance programs and facility use. The study timeline: preplanning and data gathering through late April, consolidation committee meetings April 28–June 9, and board recommendations in August (dates listed as tentative).
Staff said the committee will include eight parents, eight labor partner representatives and eight site administrators, with district leadership in a support role. Key data inputs include a 10-year enrollment forecast by grade and school, facility condition and recent investments (Facilities Master Plan), program continuity and staffing absorption, transportation and boundary impacts, and options for repurposing sites.
Trustees pressed staff on transparency, transportation implications, repurposing options and making information available to the board and community as the committee works. Staff emphasized that the goal is to produce options that improve student programs and services rather than simply close schools and that committee materials would be shared with trustees in parallel.
What’s next: the committee will analyze data and return potential options; the board emphasized the importance of transparency and community engagement throughout the process.
