Superintendent proposes turning Ellendale Elementary into countywide inquiry-based STEM choice school
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Summary
Superintendent Bill Griffin proposed transforming Ellendale Elementary into an inquiry-based, STEM-focused instructional option open by application and lottery to students across the county (and beyond); the board heard details but took no formal vote, and staff will hold community engagement before next school year.
Superintendent Bill Griffin on Tuesday proposed converting Ellendale Elementary into a countywide inquiry-based and STEM-focused choice program that would admit students by application and lottery. Griffin said the redesign aims to reverse long-term enrollment decline at Ellendale — he cited a drop from about 315 students in 2015 to roughly 166 students today — and to create a high-quality, hands-on instructional option that keeps state standards while adding inquiry-based practices and STEM experiences.
Griffin told the board the program would be gradual, include targeted professional development supported by partner organizations and grants, and would be implemented “at no cost to our other buildings.” Dr. Bowles described inquiry-based learning as a process in which students begin with a question and construct knowledge through teacher-facilitated investigation; Griffin said the district is lining up a STEM center in Durham and other partners to provide training and guidance.
Under the proposal, the district would create an application and lottery process similar to Alexander Early College, admitting both in-district and out-of-district students up to capacity each year. Griffin said staff would seek input from Ellendale faculty and families on naming, mission and details prior to opening applications and would hold a community meeting to explain the plan and address concerns.
Board members expressed support for preserving local community schools while encouraging creative options to strengthen enrollment. One member praised district leadership for proactive work to provide new educational options; another emphasized the importance of keeping other schools whole and ensuring the model benefits the broader district.
No formal vote to adopt the Ellendale redesign was recorded during the meeting. Griffin said the district plans to move quickly, with the goal of launching the model next school year, contingent on staff planning, community engagement and final administrative steps.
Next steps: district staff will meet with Ellendale faculty and families, finalize implementation details and publicly advertise the application/lottery once the plan and timeline are set.