OREGON, OH (Toledo News Now) - Major changes could be coming to the Oregon School District. Almost 1200 fifth through eighth graders may be shifted to new buildings.
Kelly Joldrichsen's son is a fifth grader at Coy Elementary School. Joldrichsen is one of the parents in the district who has heard recent talk of grade re-configuration.
"I'm sure everybody has their difference of opinion," said Joldrichsen.
Fifth graders would be moved out of elementary school and be merged with sixth graders from the middle school. The other middle school would be turned into a seventh and eighth grade building.
The proposed shift is being recommended to improve achievement scores, especially in the areas of math and science.
"The students are in different buildings. They have different teachers. Often times the curriculum is not as typically aligned to the standards as we like so we think it's worthwhile taking a look at getting all those grade levels together," said Superintendent Dr. Michael Zalar.
One third of the district's 3800 students will be affected and the district cost could increase especially in the transportation area.
"It's not about saving money. It's about doing what's right for kids," said Dr. Zalar.
Joldrichsen said she supports the re-configuration.
"I think the elementary schools are a little bit over-crowded. So I think splitting them up will be a good thing," said Joldrichsen.
A series of six forums are scheduled for parent input. The first one will take place Monday night at Jerusalem Elementary School.
The Oregon School Board will listen and vote by mid-November.
Click here for a complete list of the forums.
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