Three elementary schools presented proposals to the Warsaw School Board Tuesday afternoon on becoming “theme” schools. However, board members had concerns about the logistics of implementing them. The board will further discuss the proposals at its meeting Monday at 7 p.m. at the central office. No approval is being sought at this time for the theme schools. Jefferson Elementary is seeking to become a leadership academy. Claypool would become Claypool Leadership Environment Academics Performance (LEAP) Academy and Early Learning Center. Eisenhower wants to transform into a fine arts academy. David Hoffert, Warsaw Community Schools chief academic officer, said the idea for the theme schools came from the 2010 OrthoWorx-funded Cambridge study of the school system. He said WCS’s first “toe in the water” with theme schools came this year when Washington Elementary became a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) academy. At that point, other elementary schools were asked to consider what was unique about each and how that could help them become a theme school. “A theme school is going to be very beneficial for our students, but there has to be a buy-in from our staff,” Hoffert said. A 90 percent approval rate from certified staff was expected before a potential theme school could present to the curriculum council. Theme schools would still use WCS core curriculum, he said, and stay a neighborhood school. The change would come with the school’s approach to the curriculum. In year two of the theme school, Hoffert said, an “equal opportunity” lottery system would allow students outside of the school boundary to take an available seat. Schools also were asked to create a three-year timeline budget and explore grant opportunities. Principal David Robertson made the presentation on Jefferson. He said Jefferson currently provides many programs for students that teach positive choices, academic excellence and service to others. The school also is unique because of its close partnership with Grace College. Robertson presented two proposed budgets for the academy, with the first one being a “dream scenario” at $200,000. The budget would include $70,000 in salary and benefits for a leadership coach; curriculum, professional development, guest speakers, technology, storage and marketing. The other budget scenario would total $30,000 and just include curriculum purchase, professional development, service project underwriting and marketing. Matt Dick, board vice president, said he was excited about what Robertson laid out, but asked, “As a building leader, are you concerned with the time in the day?” Robertson said they didn’t have everything sorted out yet, but the school’s committee has thought seriously about that. Time won’t be taken away from the curriculum. The board members expressed concern about the schools becoming “magnet” schools. Superintendent Dr. Craig Hintz assured the board they weren’t magnet schools but theme schools. “If we continue to move forward and the board does grant approval for the leadership academy, Jefferson will only serve Jefferson families in year one. Year two, we’ll see how it goes. I’m not in favor of each school going out on its own. We are a system of schools,” Hintz said. Board member Dan Robinson said that in order to do an excellent job of following through with one thing, something has to give elsewhere. He also didn’t know how the state would handle theme schools. “I’m trying to figure out how this will work out logistically,” Robinson said. If “Joe” and “Mary” are siblings, but they want to go to separate theme schools, Robinson asked how they were going to get there and whose responsibility would it be. What if they change their minds? “I can see how it can be very beneficial,” Robinson said, “and I can see how it can become a nightmare. I don’t want it to become a nightmare.” Hoffert said there are some logistics that still need to be worked out. “Our core curriculum does not change,” Hoffert said. “Our core curriculum that affects the test scores does not change.” “I do see the community needs to have a better understanding of what we’re talking about,” Hearn said. Board Secretary Dan Metzger asked if a student goes to “Eisenhower Fine Arts Academy,” would they be required to participate in something like dance if they don’t want to. Hoffert said students may not be the best at something, but they at least get a taste of it. Metzger said he was concerned that separate theme schools may create division in the school system. “When people don’t understand something, they make something up,” said Hoffert. Washington Principal Tom Ray had two meetings about his school becoming a STEM academy, but people still had questions about it because others made stuff up, Hoffert said. Many mischaracterizations were made, but to his knowledge, no one left the school because it became a STEM academy. Principal Melissa Rees and several teachers presented on Claypool. It would emphasize early childhood education, explore environmental issues and topics, as well as develop strong leadership skills. The Early Learning Center is already in place with 20 3- to 5-year-olds and about 34 on the waiting list for the daycare. For the Early Learning Center, Rees presented two different cost scenarios. One included three teachers for three classrooms at $226,500 for five years with benefits, and $22,666 per year for three instructional assistants. The other was for one teacher at $75,500 for five years with benefits for three classrooms, and five instructional assistants at $38,610. Costs for the academy, Rees said, could include $100,000 for nearby land; $150,000 for an environmental center, greenhouse and trails; $20,000 for supplies and equipment; and $75,000 for a LEAP coach for five years with benefits. Eisenhower Principal Chris Gensinger presented on the fine arts academy. “I don’t believe fine arts are for everyone,” Gensinger said, “but everyone benefits from fine arts.” He said it wasn’t his desire to cut math, science, language arts or other areas to provide fine arts. There are ways to provide those and the fine arts. Eisenhower has always had after-school programs, including painting, karate, performing arts and others. However, for many of those they have a cost, and even with a “scholarship” program, not every kid can participate. After providing fine arts facts and a timeline, he provided a list of costs totaling $2.5 million. Costs would include a new dance studio with equipment and renovation of the stage and cafeteria. Dick concluded the discussion by saying that if the theme schools move forward, he recommended having coaches at each of the schools.
