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Stevenson-Carson district proposes moving Wind River Middle into high school and elementary to close $1.85M gap
Summary
District staff told the board the consolidation would save roughly $636,000 the first year and about $656,000 thereafter, as enrollment declines have cut roughly $2 million from annual funding since 2018–19. The board held a public hearing and will take formal action at the end of June.
Kathy McKee presented the district’s consolidation proposal on behalf of Stevenson-Carson School District, saying, “SCSD has lost approximately 200 students since the 2018-2019 school year.” She told the board decreased enrollment and rising costs require an estimated annual cost reduction of $1.85 million to present a balanced budget to the state.
McKee laid out projected savings from combining Wind River Middle School into Stevenson High School and Carson Elementary School, saying, “The first year the district will save $636,000 (initial costs included) and will see a savings of $656,000 the following years.” The proposal would return 7th and 8th graders to SHS and move 6th graders to CES; staff described operational measures such as differentiated bell schedules, separate lunches, and maintaining a full security position for the WRMS/SHS campus.
Superintendent Ingrid Colvard said the district’s top priority is preserving programs where possible and that the consolidation model “keeps more student opportunities, staff, and services than if the district does not combine.” She emphasized the board cannot make a final decision until a formal action at the end of June and that staff have not prepared a separate no-consolidation balanced budget unless directed by the board.
The public hearing drew questions about space, extracurriculars and counseling. Chair Jeff Wickersham closed the hearing at 7:46 p.m. and announced public comment on the consolidation will continue at the next board meeting. No formal vote on consolidation occurred at the April 18 meeting.
