Board reviews 10‑year consolidation and equity transition plan; staff emphasize phased approach and community engagement

Tonita Phillips, executive director of elementary schools (cluster 2), and Jeri Smith, director of innovation and community engagement, presented a 10‑year consolidation and equity transition plan that will be implemented in four phases from 2025 to 2034.

The presenters said the plan’s guiding equity indicators include instructional opportunity, facility readiness, transportation, workforce stability, student well‑being and community voice. Phase 1 (2025–26) will begin initial student shifts based on enrollment and facility capacity, with specific transitions identified (e.g., students moving between Ocean View, Sherwood Forest, Tanners Creek, Bay View and Mary Calcott areas).

Staff described operational steps: cross‑functional transition committees, a staffing‑transfer timeline (updated to Jan. 15–March 16, 2026), community listening sessions, a Woolpert lookup tool to support rezoning transparency, legacy events for closing communities, and planned renovations (Ocean Air interior work after students dismiss in mid‑May).

Board members asked how equity indicators will be measured and how communications will reach families. Staff said indicator measures are aligned with existing data systems (ASM meetings, committee reports) and that they will use multilingual communications, civic‑league partnerships and school tours. Staff stressed staffing stability as a priority and said redistricting will be presented as a fuller citywide plan while some urgent public hearings and votes are scheduled by March for specific moves.

No formal action was taken; staff uploaded an expanded plan to board docs for further review and signaled additional milestones and public sessions in the coming months.