TRANSITIONAL SCHOOL SPACE REPORT - BoardDocs

Introduction:
IV. Findings
The following section summarizes the present space conditions in high priority
schools, examines the factors contributing to such conditions and presents
outcome and/or findings of an interactive analyses of these factors.
Present Space Conditions:
As depicted in the previous section, as of January 1, 2006, there currently exists
to varying degrees an “overcrowding” in select Wappingers Schools. While the
implementation the past two school years of
(1.) modular units at Van Wyck Junior High and Gayhead Elementary
Schools,
(2.) wireless computer systems at Gayhead and Fishkill Elementary
Schools,
(3.) construction of a large multi-purpose instructional room and cafeteria
expansion at Roy C. Ketcham High School, and
(4.) relocation of Orchard View Alternative High School and the
Department of Technology to 167 Myers Corners Road,
have significantly alleviated instructional/classroom space at these schools.
Further it would appear that Gayhead, the District’s largest elementary school,
enrollment has stabilized (see previous section). Having said that, however
problems of overcrowding continue to persist in select schools. To understand
why such conditions exist, it is necessary to analyze the interaction of the
following variables and their influence on classroom space.
Student Enrollment:
Wappingers Central School District’s student enrollment has modulated over the
past 25 years from a high of 14,200+ in the late 70’s to a low of 10,800 in the
early 90’s to today’s 12,400. Thus, if today’s student enrollment is almost 1,800
less than it was 25 years ago, why is the District experiencing a classroom
space problem? The following sections address this anomaly.
Special Population Growth:
Beginning in the mid-to-late 80’s when Wappingers enrollment was approaching
its ebb (10,800) and classroom space was readily available, the District initiated
actions that resulted in several specialized programs being placed in the
schools to meet the educational, social and emotional needs of a growing
diverse population of learners. Such actions included moving art and music into
full-size classes, and the implementation of new programs such as Primary
Mental Health, Intensive and Remedial Reading and Study Skills.
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