OMS Expansion

I would like to see a comprehensive analysis of alternatives such as 6th grade at Gibbs, or 8th grade at High School. This should include research or study on the impact of a large middle school on students performance. If this analysis justifies expansion of Ottoson, then sufficient space to accommodate students comfortably (which ensures ample common space) is a must!

I do not support proposed plan. Instead bring back Gibbs.

THEY SHOULD RENOVATE THE GIBBS AND DO SOMETHING FOR STUDENTS OF ARLINGTON INSTEAD OF TALKING DOLLARS AND CENTS AND WHY THEY CANT DO IT

Open a second middle school.

We support a second middle school. Research shows that smaller schools help students learn better and reach their full potential, as well as improving the safety of the school community, all of which should be our foremost concerns. Additionally, a second middle school is also the most rational, sustainable response to our growing student population.

Concerned parent of a future Arlington Public Schools student (AHS class of '29)

We support a second middle school. Arlington middle-schoolers should learn and grow in an environment that has adequate resources and fosters a sense of community.

Gibbs schools seems like a much better option!

Mother of 3 future middle school children

I think we have much better options, such as using the Gibbs building.

I am an East Arlington parent, and so am of course biased toward an East Arlington Middle School solution. But it only sounds fair to me to study both options before deciding.

The obvious solution is to renovate and reopen the Gibbs Jr. High.

Please renovate or rebuild the Gibbs.

I support the petition. I like the idea of having two middle schools instead of building an addition to the middle school. Using Gybbs gym space as a second middle school is a good option. Instead use the tax dollars to rebuild the high school. Have two middle schools and use the dollars to improve education and lower teacher to student ratio.

The education of middle schoolers will be significantly harmed by such a large school. We need to make the best educational decisions rather than focusing on finances alone.

The plan for the addition does not address some of the critical issues of the overcrowding situation at Ottoson Middle School. It does not increase common spaces and would result in a middle school so big that individualized attention for students would be lost.

Middle school is a critical time in education. This addition would make the school much too large and would make it harder to give each child the individual attention she or he deserves. I am also very concerned about the lack of expansion of the common spaces, particularly the library and cafeteria.

I believe we need more information in order to make sn optimal decision. I agree with those who have called for comprehensive feasibility studies of the two primary, competing proposals. The analysis should not be limited to a strict dollar cost comparison, but should also include comparative, opportunity cost and value added considerations.

Clearly more care and attention must be paid to the educational experiences of our middle-school students. But attention must also be paid to the working conditions and experiences of those who strive to deliver effective, meaningful, safe, caring educations. I wonder what Ottoson teachers have to contribute to this conversation ...

Complete transparency around costs and timelines for each option should be provided for tax payers.