District apologizes for preschool registration changes; ICANN alternative program to move into Hill Academy
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Summary
Administrators apologized for a communication glitch after some preschool classroom sections were removed from registration; they said low preschool enrollment and braided funding forced consolidation. Separately, the ICANN alternative high-school program will move from a leased ICANN building into underused classrooms at Hill Academy to cut lease costs and reduce duplication.
Board members pressed district staff about preschool classroom closures and a registration glitch that led some families and staff to learn about program changes via the website. District staff said preschool programs are braided among community education (cash-funded), Title and special-education funds and that several classrooms were consolidated because campuses were below the financial viability threshold (presenters cited a target capacity of about 87%). Stephanie Hall described the financial and operational review that led to closures and said, "I am sorry" for how some changes were communicated to staff and families.
District staff said preschool teachers who are on continuing contracts have been contacted and will be offered placement opportunities; community-education-paid extended-day coverage will be managed using the district's prior model, and a Teams meeting for staff and parents was scheduled to review program and location changes.
Separately, Dr. De La Torre said the ICANN alternative high-school program will move from its current leased building into unused classroom space at Hill Academy to save lease costs (estimated savings of about $100,000) and avoid staff duplication. He said ICANN services will continue and the district intends to sustain and grow ICANN programming inside district facilities; transportation options for students who need it (including existing Hill routes or flex services) will be evaluated case-by-case.
Board members requested clearer communication protocols for future program shifts and asked the administration to ensure families and staff receive notice before website registration changes are made public. District leaders said they will refine their communications and continue outreach to impacted families and employees.