Proposal to Re-locate Sutter Middle School, and Create small-scale, Pedestrian High School at J and Alhambra Background In the Fall of 2008, the SCUSD Board invited community members to attend a series of meetings to discuss the impending financial crisis facing our schools. Among the issues cited as problematic to the District were: a) declining enrollment; and b) excessive, costly, and underutilized facilities. Our Proposal Move Sutter Middle School to the Kit Carson campus, and combine the student population, faculty, and resources into a single, fully utilized campus. Then, use the former Sutter Middle School at Alhambra and J Streets, to provide a small-scale community high school serving the needs of central city residents, and their families. Why the Sutter to Kit Carson Move Makes Sense… ECONOMICALLY 1) By the District’s own reckoning, Kit Carson is currently operating at only 1/3 of its capacity. Combining the student populations of Sutter and Kit Carson into a single entity puts this valuable asset to work without adding additional overhead… 2) Reducing administrative costs… 3) At Modest cost of implementation… no new facilities need to be built. ACADEMICALLY 1) The move retains the great tradition of Sutter Middle School and its outstanding educational programs and faculty. ENVIRONMENTALLY 1) The move keeps middle school students proximate to their communities, close to the elementary schools of their siblings 2) Modest impact on the Kit Carson neighborhood… unlike earlier proposals to situate a high school at Kit Carson, this move puts kids on the campus who are not yet able to drive… 3) Public transportation is readily available to and from the Kit Carson site. Why the High School Makes sense at J and Alhambra… ECONOMICALLY 1) By providing an attractive alternative to private high schools, the Alhambra & J St. campus can win back hundreds of families who have fled SCUSD High Schools, regaining precious revenue and community support. 2) Residential property values in the central city are severely affected by the lack of a functional public high school serving this community. Placing this high school at the Alhambra & J St. campus enhances resale values of all area properties, providing a substantial boost in tax revenue. ACADEMICALLY 1) The new campus provides a “safety valve” for impacted admissions at West Campus. 2) Outstanding central city elementary and middle schools are already set up to “feed” this high school with academically qualified students. 3) With a student population of approximately 1,000 students, the new school offers advantages of “small school” education, yet provides the vocational, arts and athletic facilities so essential to well rounded high school experience. ENVIRONMENTALLY 1) The new Campus is “Pedestrian Friendly” within walking or bicycle distance of most prospective students. 2) It’s well served by public transportation. 3) It DRAMATICALLY reduces the vehicular traffic required of families commuting to and from far flung high schools.