The Harlem UD 122 school board on Monday paused consideration of “Scenario 7,” a district reconfiguration plan that district staff said would use grade-banded schools to rebalance enrollment and reduce costs. Board members said they would collect more community feedback and return with a plan for the board to vote early next year.

District staff outlined Scenario 7 as a move to grade bands (students switching schools every two years), consolidate programs and rebalance classrooms across buildings while emphasizing supports for students who would face transitions. A presenter said the district has successfully managed major student transitions in the past with planning and staffing supports, but acknowledged community concern about added moves.

The superintendent’s representative recommended pausing the proposal to gather feedback; board members agreed to a timeline that includes a Dec. 15 meeting for staff to share updated work and a formal vote tentatively planned for Jan. 5 at 5 p.m., with community review ahead of Jan. 20 dates. Board President Mike asked for consensus and the panel indicated agreement to table the item until January.

The pause came after more than 20 speakers during public comment urged the board to reconsider Scenario 7, particularly its proposed cuts to early childhood (EC) seats and the planned phase-out of the Advanced Learners Program (ALP). One parent noted the district had received “over 800 comments online,” and multiple commenters asked why administrative spending and other options had not been thoroughly examined before proposing large program and building changes.

“Why do my years of support service prior to teaching not count towards my seniority?” asked Nicole Ellis, a teacher and parent, describing how long-term support staff who later became certificated teachers fear losing seniority under the proposal. “This could be washed away in the blink of an eye,” she said.

Teachers and EC staff described the proposal’s practical effects: Katie Fowler, an early childhood teacher, said EC seats would fall from about 360 to roughly 80 and predicted the smallest, most at‑risk children would lose access to early learning. “With 80 seats, this will no longer be a feasible opportunity,” Fowler said. Other speakers warned that grade-banding would require children to change schools repeatedly, disrupt family logistics for families with multiple children, and increase transportation burdens for parents who currently walk to neighborhood schools.

Board members emphasized they had heard the public. One board member said pausing would allow staff to gather comments and craft a plan that better addresses community “pinch points.” The board did not take a formal roll-call vote on Scenario 7; rather, members signaled consensus to table the matter and to revisit it in January.

Next steps: the board will receive additional staff recommendations Dec. 15 and expects to set or hold a formal vote Jan. 5 at 5 p.m., with community review ahead of Jan. 20 meeting dates.

(Reporting note: direct quotes and paraphrases are taken from attendees and staff who spoke during the public comment portion of the Harlem UD 122 meeting.)