Stillwater plans to move 4/5 GATE program to Bayport Elementary and expand gifted services

Teaching and Learning staff presented a plan to move the district’s 4/5 GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) program from Stillwater Middle to Bayport Elementary starting in the 2026-27 school year and to expand accelerated-learning opportunities districtwide. Staff said the shift will include enhanced gifted cluster programming at all elementary schools, additional resources and teacher training for cluster teachers, and expanded options at both middle schools instead of concentrating accelerated services at a single site.

The presentation noted that families of students currently in the gifted program received direct communication about the upcoming changes. No formal vote was taken; the item was provided as an informational update to the board. Teaching and Learning staff described the changes as part of ongoing efforts to align services with the district’s strategic directions and school improvement plans.

Board members did not provide a detailed implementation timeline in the meeting record beyond the stated 2026-27 start; the presentation did not specify enrollment numbers or budget figures tied to the change. Those specifics and any policy changes will be expected in future board materials when the item returns for action or final implementation planning.