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Demographic report projects population surge for Bryan schools By Cassie Smith cassie.smith@theeagle.com Posted: Tuesday, May 22, 2012 7:00 a.m. Text size: A A A Tweet Email Print Maximizing space in all Bryan schools while planning for anexpected increase in the number of elementary students over thenext decade were among suggestions made by analysts Monday to theschool board. The demographic's report also detailed what options are availablefor the district to move to two Class 4A level high schools. "This is a healthy district. It's going to continue togrow," said Pat Guseman, of Population and Survey Analysts. The board voted unanimously in January to pay the CollegeStation-based company almost $50,000 to investigate issues relatedto student population growth. The last study was done in 2006— before the recent census data was collected and released. Guseman said tight budgets across the state have prompted mostdistricts across to try and figure out how to get the most out ofthe space they have. "For the first time, we're working with districts that areclosing schools," she said. Waco, for instance, is workingtoward closing almost a third of its schools. Stacey Tepera, who works with Guseman, said their study highlightedovercrowding at several schools, including Crockett Elementary,which is operating at 122 percent of its capacity; BranchElementary, 101 percent; and Henderson at 120 percent. If no changes are made, Branch Elementary is projected to have 170new students over the next 10 years, while more than 500 childrenare expected to move into the city east of Texas 6 during that sametime, she said, adding that such a spike could translate into a newelementary school. Bryan ISD owns land earmarked on the east side of the town, whichcould be used to build an elementary school to relieve thepopulation strain expected at Mitchell, she said. Mitchell elementary is projected to be at more than 160 percentcapacity in the next decade, provided all students in the currentlyzoned area attend that campus, Tepera said. She also suggested that rather than build another school on thewest side, BISD could expand Ross Elementary, which has a largefield adjacent to the property. She said the space provides for theability to grow, allowing for another 600 students to attend thatcampus. For the middle schools, the issue of overcrowding is tied toprograms, she said. If the district would expand its INQUIRE and Odyssey academies toadditional campuses so more students would have access, existingfacilities could be better utilized, Tepera said, adding it wouldprevent many transfers between campuses. The analysts presented options available if the district decides tomove to two Class 4A level high schools, including rezoning themiddle school attendance lines. Each plan varies from the leastamount of change to the current school boundary lines and on to thelargest. Superintendent Thomas Wallis emphasized that discussions aboutmoving to two 4A high schools remained preliminary and no decisionhad been made. Bryan and Consol are in District 12-5A, and Rudder competes inDistrict 16-4A. When the state-driven UIL new alignment takeseffect in the fall, Bryan and Consol will move to 14-5A and Rudderwill join 18-4A. Also at the meeting, the school board: • pproved about $202,00 for the installation and delivery ofan HVAC chiller to Stephen F. Austin Middle School. • Approved granting more than 400 square feet of right of wayat the corner of Briarcrest Drive and 29th Street to the city.Officials said the right of way is needed for an expansion projecton Briarcrest Drive by the Texas Department of Transportation. • Voted to keep Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas as thedistrict's health care plan's third-party administrator for 2013.Officials said this will make the fifth year the district has beenwith Blue Cross Blue Shield. In 2014, the district will open thecontract up for bidding process, officials said. The e-commerce company in China offers quality products such as Mini Golf Gifts , China Led Flashing Necklace, and more. For more , please visit Led Crystal Keychain today!
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