Board considers moving three first-grade sections to Early Childhood Center to form PK–1 campus

District administrators presented a plan to relocate three sections of first grade and a self-contained special-education classroom from Madison Elementary School (MEES) to the Early Childhood Center (ECC) for the 2026–27 school year to form a true pre-K–1 early learning campus.

The presenter told trustees the proposal aims to improve vertical alignment between preschool, kindergarten and first grade, strengthen early literacy foundations and free classroom space at MEES for fourth- and fifth-grade expansion. Staff said ECC enrollment is currently low and summer-discovery funds would be used to build out classrooms this year. The presenter also noted that relocating first grade could make ECC eligible for Title I funding, though the exact additional funding amount was not specified.

Trustees raised implementation questions. One trustee urged that the facilities/building-utilization committee present its findings before the board proceeds, noting any school-closure decisions follow a year-long state process and should be coordinated districtwide. Another trustee asked staff to confirm the state timeline for notifying authorities; the presenter said she had consulted the district attorney and was researching specific deadlines.

Board members pressed on transportation logistics, staffing and family outreach. The administration said transportation should be manageable, staffing meetings with affected teachers are underway and family communication would continue; staff also said summer-discovery funds would absorb initial classroom build-out costs and that any long-term Title I funding estimates would be clearer after state budget guidance in July.

The board did not vote on the relocation; trustees agreed the proposal warrants further committee review and a return to the board when committee recommendations and state-notification timelines are available.