The WISD Board of Trustees met for a special session on Monday night, February 11th to discuss the transition to a multiple high school system. The primary focus at the session was to determine what year the first graduating class of Wylie East High School would enroll as freshman. Dr. Fuller presented a worksheet to the board members with scenarios for graduating classes of 2012, 2013 and 2014. Several board members thought it would be best to start the transition as soon as possible, though Trustee Ralph James, not necessarily opposed to a quick transition, questioned if the district would be prepared for the financial impact of a transition beginning with the 2008/2009 school year. Dr. Fuller informed the board that a Bond would need to be issued unless the need involved expansion of just a few classes at Wylie East, in which case the district could draw from the existing fund balance.
Trustee Baron Cook questioned the cost impact of expanding Wylie East to accommodate 2000 students. Dr. Fuller replied that the cost is uncertain at this time due to questions surrounding specific classroom types needed based on the specialty and career programs offered, but to finish out the shell of Wylie East to hold 2000 students a bond would certainly need to be issued. Trustee Sam Satterwhite and Board President Susan Shuler both mentioned the need to reach equitable levels in terms of specialty and career programs offered at both campuses. However, Mr. Satterwhite was eager to start the transition as soon as possible while Mrs. Shuler was more reserved, citing the need to ensure the people, programs and teachers could be put in place in time. She stated, “I want to have the programs in place. I don’t want to half-way do this. We need to already have in mind what we are doing. That is my reservation with starting with the current 8th grade class.”
They recapped their visit with Frisco ISD administration to remind themselves that they should aim for equity not equality. Meaning that the specialized and career programs at each school should not be duplicates, but should be of equal value.
Trustee Ronni Fetzer mentioned her surprise at the amount of freshman students and parents that wanted to stay at Wylie East next year. She felt this was a sign that the community is ready and anxious to know the plan and execute the change. Trustee Stacie Gooch felt that some parents and students of current freshman were in a state of confusion, wondering what school they would attend in the 2008/2009 school year. While they acknowledged the confusion, the board mentioned that they always stated this year’s freshman would all attend Wylie High School next school year. There is no option for current freshman to graduate as Raiders.
In a brief moment of comedy during this discussion, Trustee Sue Nicklas reminded everyone, “Freshman are nothing. You all remember what it was like to be a Freshman.” Stacie Gooch quickly replied, “I was a Pirate!”
The Trustees also briefly discussed the boundary lines for each school. While nothing has been decided, they did essentially rule out 78 as the dividing line for the schools. An option that was discussed was using Westgate as the dividing line for schools, but there was also concern that students would be going to a school that was further away from their home than the other. Athletic Director Mark Ball was on hand and stated his belief that parents would try to position themselves to attend one school over the other with a longer delay. Citing athletic reasons, he also stated it would be better to begin the transition with the current 8th grade class or the current 6th grade class. Dr. Fuller mentioned that all varsity athletic students would be allowed to transfer to Wylie High School in Wylie East’s inaugural year. He said, “They are all still representing Wylie High School as it pertains to sports.”
At the end of the lively discussion, it was clear that the Trustees still had a lot of decisions and information to uncover as they proceed with the plan for transition. It was also clear that the citizens of Wylie can expect a WISD bond election in November 2008 or May 2009 to make the transition a reality.
Lance Goff is a candidate in the May election for School Board, Place 4. He is running against appointed Trustee Baron Cook. This is a Special Election to fill an unexpired term for 1 year. The previous seat holder, Eric Lindsey, moved to Colorado last year. The Board of Trustees appointed Baron Cook to his seat until the May election.