A note from the MMIB PTSO president,
Dear Parents and Students of MMIB,
Support the IB program
No matter which "option" you are in favor of
EVERY PARENT AND STUDENT SHOULD ATTEND THIS MEETING!
You may also sign up for a 3- minute presentation: skennedy@iss.k12.nc.us or 704-924- 2028
Board of Education Meeting: 5/10 at 6:00 p.m. at the Government Center, 200 South Center St. in Statesville.
IB Program Update:
Based on the newspaper article in Thursday's Mooresville Tribune, as well as our conversations with the Board of Education, a vote will be held, regarding the location of IB Program Grades 9 -12, at the Board of Education Meeting this Monday.
We have confirmed that a pre-vote was done and they are most likely to approve a one-site scenario. Yet, the issues of transportation, sports, etc. have not been worked out. There are also surprising financial aspects not considered before that will be presented at Monday's meeting.
I encourage everyone to attend regardless of which scenario you are in support of. As your PTSO President I have participated the task force of parents to share both the majority opinion of our school's community, AND the beliefs of those who are in favor of the ISS proposals.
Come and show your support of the IB Program!
Click here to view the newspaper article
Sandy Keller, MMIB Candidate School PTSO President
Email: sandy@aceofheartsgiftbaskets.com
Phone: 704-660-9840
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Note from PTSO
A message from MOUNT MOURNE IB SCHOOL
Dear Parents,
I am writing to provide you with an update regarding the future of the IB program in Iredell County. The Superintendent and I-SS Administration have been working with our Task Force and the Parents of the Northview IB school and are evaluating a proposal that would allow for Mount Mourne IB to continue as a 6-10th grade middle years program and have the IB Diploma Program at Lake Norman High School while having Northview continue as a 6-8th grade program with a 9-12th grade IB program being at Statesville High School. There are many benefits to this plan for all of Iredell County and we are hopeful that it will secure the recommendation of the Superintendent before the May 3rd Board of Education Meeting. However, this plan is still in the process of being evaluated by the I-SS administration and by the parents at
MMIB and Northview. We are pleased that the I-SS Administration is giving serious consideration to this two site solution and encourage your continued efforts to reach out in a positive and constructive way to support the IB program and the two site solution.
IMPORTANT MEETING DETAILS:
1. Monday, May 3, 2010 “Committee of the Whole Meeting” will be held at the Career & Technical Center, 350 Old Murdock Rd., Troutman beginning at 5:00p.m. The district has changed the format for this meeting to allow people to speak from the floor. All are encouraged to attend!
2. Tuesday, May 4, 2010 Area Advisory Meeting will be held at Lake Norman High School at 7:00p.m. in the Media Center. Topics for discussion: Wireless Communication Policy, Review of the 2010-2011 Budget and discuss possible cuts, and update the community on the work done by the Iredell-County Facilities Taskforce. All are encouraged to attend!
3. Monday, May 10, 2010 Board Of Education Meeting will be held at the Iredell County Government Center (Second Floor) at 6:00 p.m. Public comment is welcome but you are reminded to limit your comments to 3 minutes and to sign up PRIOR to the meeting by contacting the clerk of the board at 704-924-2028 or by email skennedy@iss.k12.nc.us.
Sandy Keller, BNI - 678-888-0200 x272
Dear Parents,
I am writing to provide you with an update regarding the future of the IB program in Iredell County. The Superintendent and I-SS Administration have been working with our Task Force and the Parents of the Northview IB school and are evaluating a proposal that would allow for Mount Mourne IB to continue as a 6-10th grade middle years program and have the IB Diploma Program at Lake Norman High School while having Northview continue as a 6-8th grade program with a 9-12th grade IB program being at Statesville High School. There are many benefits to this plan for all of Iredell County and we are hopeful that it will secure the recommendation of the Superintendent before the May 3rd Board of Education Meeting. However, this plan is still in the process of being evaluated by the I-SS administration and by the parents at
MMIB and Northview. We are pleased that the I-SS Administration is giving serious consideration to this two site solution and encourage your continued efforts to reach out in a positive and constructive way to support the IB program and the two site solution.
IMPORTANT MEETING DETAILS:
1. Monday, May 3, 2010 “Committee of the Whole Meeting” will be held at the Career & Technical Center, 350 Old Murdock Rd., Troutman beginning at 5:00p.m. The district has changed the format for this meeting to allow people to speak from the floor. All are encouraged to attend!
2. Tuesday, May 4, 2010 Area Advisory Meeting will be held at Lake Norman High School at 7:00p.m. in the Media Center. Topics for discussion: Wireless Communication Policy, Review of the 2010-2011 Budget and discuss possible cuts, and update the community on the work done by the Iredell-County Facilities Taskforce. All are encouraged to attend!
3. Monday, May 10, 2010 Board Of Education Meeting will be held at the Iredell County Government Center (Second Floor) at 6:00 p.m. Public comment is welcome but you are reminded to limit your comments to 3 minutes and to sign up PRIOR to the meeting by contacting the clerk of the board at 704-924-2028 or by email skennedy@iss.k12.nc.us.
Sandy Keller, BNI - 678-888-0200 x272
Upcoming meetings
IMPORTANT MEETING DETAILS
1. Monday, May 3, 2010 “Committee of the Whole Meeting” will be held at the Career & Technical Center, 350 Old Murdock Rd., Troutman beginning at 5:00p.m. The district has changed the format for this meeting to allow people to speak from the floor. All are encouraged to attend!
2. Tuesday, May 4, 2010 Area Advisory Meeting will be held at Lake Norman High School at 7:00p.m. in the Media Center. Topics for discussion: Wireless Communication Policy, Review of the 2010-2011 Budget and discuss possible cuts, and update the community on the work done by the Iredell-County Facilities Taskforce. All are encouraged to attend!
3. Monday, May 10, 2010 Board Of Education Meeting will be held at the Iredell County Government Center (Second Floor) at 6:00 p.m. Public comment is welcome but you are reminded to limit your comments to 3 minutes and to sign up PRIOR to the meeting by contacting the clerk of the board at 704-924-2028 or by email skennedy@iss.k12.nc.us.
1. Monday, May 3, 2010 “Committee of the Whole Meeting” will be held at the Career & Technical Center, 350 Old Murdock Rd., Troutman beginning at 5:00p.m. The district has changed the format for this meeting to allow people to speak from the floor. All are encouraged to attend!
2. Tuesday, May 4, 2010 Area Advisory Meeting will be held at Lake Norman High School at 7:00p.m. in the Media Center. Topics for discussion: Wireless Communication Policy, Review of the 2010-2011 Budget and discuss possible cuts, and update the community on the work done by the Iredell-County Facilities Taskforce. All are encouraged to attend!
3. Monday, May 10, 2010 Board Of Education Meeting will be held at the Iredell County Government Center (Second Floor) at 6:00 p.m. Public comment is welcome but you are reminded to limit your comments to 3 minutes and to sign up PRIOR to the meeting by contacting the clerk of the board at 704-924-2028 or by email skennedy@iss.k12.nc.us.
Monday, April 26, 2010
All about the students
I've not posted a page counter, but the lack of comments on the page leaves me wondering a bit how much visibility this page is getting.
In any case, my son shared with me a little one-pager put together by a number of the MMIB students last week following Weds morning's meetings at MMIB. They have put together an e-mail account, mmibstudents@gmail.com, and have solicited comments and questions from their fellow students.
Parents of students at both Northview and Mount Mourne are impressed with our sons and daughters as they work through the growing pains of these new IB programs.
To any of the students reviewing this page, we congratulate you on the strides you have made, and encourage you to remain engaged in your efforts to influence the sometimes messy process of local politics and decision-making. We hope you recognize that parents and administrators have your best interest at heart, and a lot of the energy you're witnessing is simply our intense passion to see you succeed, and we are dealing with some true differences of opinions in how best to help you succeed given the variables and perceptions of the challenges we face in the county.
In any case, my son shared with me a little one-pager put together by a number of the MMIB students last week following Weds morning's meetings at MMIB. They have put together an e-mail account, mmibstudents@gmail.com, and have solicited comments and questions from their fellow students.
Parents of students at both Northview and Mount Mourne are impressed with our sons and daughters as they work through the growing pains of these new IB programs.
To any of the students reviewing this page, we congratulate you on the strides you have made, and encourage you to remain engaged in your efforts to influence the sometimes messy process of local politics and decision-making. We hope you recognize that parents and administrators have your best interest at heart, and a lot of the energy you're witnessing is simply our intense passion to see you succeed, and we are dealing with some true differences of opinions in how best to help you succeed given the variables and perceptions of the challenges we face in the county.
Meeting with ISS Superintendent and administrative staff and Northview IB program representatives
Held meeting this afternoon/evening with Superintendent Brady Johnson and key members of the administrative staff.
Much discussion as we worked to get on same sheet of music as Northview parents, who have some concerns about viability of a "2 school" solution, primarily around financing and around building a critical mass of students in the "north" portion of the 2 school solution.
Bottom line is that we have kept, and raised the visibility of the option of MMIB holding the mid-year programme from 6-10th grade, with 11th and 12th at Lake Norman. The option that many prefer, of MMIB housing 6-12th is a non-starter given space constraints.
So an "option 3" is still on the table. Some work being done in terms of discussions with Northview parents and students about supporting a program that would meet their concerns- getting at the "win-win-win" solution- one that works for both Northview and MM IB students and parents as well as school administrators and school board.
Time is getting short with a key meeting next Monday...
Iredell-Statesville Schools
Monday, May 03, 2010 - 05:00 PM
Board of Education Committee of the Whole
Very small number of Northview and MM IB parents/PTSO leaders will be linking up with Superintendent and staff again on Friday in preparation for Monday's meeting.
If you'd like to provide feedback to participants of the Friday meeting, post the comments on this page and I can get it to them.
Much discussion as we worked to get on same sheet of music as Northview parents, who have some concerns about viability of a "2 school" solution, primarily around financing and around building a critical mass of students in the "north" portion of the 2 school solution.
Bottom line is that we have kept, and raised the visibility of the option of MMIB holding the mid-year programme from 6-10th grade, with 11th and 12th at Lake Norman. The option that many prefer, of MMIB housing 6-12th is a non-starter given space constraints.
So an "option 3" is still on the table. Some work being done in terms of discussions with Northview parents and students about supporting a program that would meet their concerns- getting at the "win-win-win" solution- one that works for both Northview and MM IB students and parents as well as school administrators and school board.
Time is getting short with a key meeting next Monday...
Iredell-Statesville Schools
Monday, May 03, 2010 - 05:00 PM
Board of Education Committee of the Whole
Very small number of Northview and MM IB parents/PTSO leaders will be linking up with Superintendent and staff again on Friday in preparation for Monday's meeting.
If you'd like to provide feedback to participants of the Friday meeting, post the comments on this page and I can get it to them.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
A note from Lisa VanBuhler, 9th Grade Liaison, MMIB PTSO
My husband and I have been doing research to help support Option 3. Following are a few important items we think everyone should review and understand as it provides excellent insight into what is driving the thinking of the board:
Go to the Iredell-Statesville School Website under Community and then Redistricting. Here’s the URL -
http://iss.schoolwires.com/15311099123534613/FileLib/browse.asp?a=374&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&c=76542&15311099123534613Nav=|&NodeID=1987
Open and read the Urban Institute presentation dated 9/19/2008. You’ll find good bullets to support Option 3, you’ll see a very strong recommendation to redistrict, and you’ll see support for the IB school/Magnet schools. You’ll also see several maps on population, school boundaries, etc.
Next open the follow-up presentation dated 2/12/2009. This is an update on the recommendation due to current economic conditions and suggests the IB schools are a way to relieve overcrowding. It also is where they suggest a one-school location for the IB diploma program. Below is information from Slide 17.
• Use of International Baccalaureate (IB) choice programs to relieve crowding
– A Statesville facility & Mt. Mourne become 6-8 grade IB
– A Statesville and/or southern county location becomes an IB diploma program
I believe this is where the board is getting their views and supporting documentation for their positions and they’ve been forming their opinions for more than 1 year.
All of the population and school district boundaries maps can be found by clicking on Maps & Illustrations. Here’s the URL -
http://iss.schoolwires.com/15311099123534613/FileLib/browse.asp?a=374&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&c=76577&15311099123534613Nav=|&NodeID=1988
Finally, a few of the board members graduated from SIHS. So their perspective is going to be partial to SIHS. And given the fact we are only represented by 1 member of a board of 7 with the rest representing the north, quite an uphill battle – URL for Board Maps:
http://www.co.iredell.nc.us/Departments/Mapping/Maps/Iredell_School_Voting.pdf
With that as a backdrop, there are two key points that I think we should focus on with the delivery of Option 3:
Redistricting is going to need to take place within the next few years to properly align students with schools due to overcrowding, independent of any IB school actions. It should have already taken place given LKHS is two times the size of the next closest high school. Plus, growth of the IB program at the 6-8 grade levels will be facilitated by two IB Diploma locations vs. one. With the change to SIHS, key point we need to really drive is that it will kill the IB program in the south. The students will opt for LKHS and AP programs. I know they, the board, don’t believe this. We are going to need to over rally the parents and students. I can hear it at the board meeting now with signs, protests, etc. saying “Heck No, We Won’t Go!” :-)
Next is we really need to drive home the impact on the students in terms of their sense of community with friends, other families, and even within a given family must be brought out as reasons to support why we are parents and our children will no longer participate in the IB program. This is true for both the North and South.
Next is costs. I think we should show them their option may cost more. Here’s the thinking. Bus costs will go up. Maybe savings in school teachers however, assume in year 1 costs may be higher due to teacher training costs. Classroom costs will be higher year 1 as the classrooms need to be equipped to the level MMIB is (smart boards, etc.). But here’s the one that I think is a good one – the changes they propose will cause students to leave the IB program and many will opt for charter/private schools. This will be a negative drain on revenues, thus a cost of their option. When IB opened up, the district rec’d a check for $300,000 due to students going from charters back to IB. Pretty big dollars. Plus, take a look at the announcement yesterday from CMS – no more busing for magnet school students unless they find their own way to a high school. We are heading down that same path.
Then I think we need to find a sensitive way to illustrate SIHS shortcomings, and again drive it as a reason our kids will not go there and will opt back to LKHS or charter/private. It is a division 2 school athletically with terrible school assessment scores. That combined with the drive, the impact on family participation, how to handle a family with kids at IB and standard high school, etc.
Well, that is probably enough for one email. More, consolidated :-) thoughts later.
Go to the Iredell-Statesville School Website under Community and then Redistricting. Here’s the URL -
http://iss.schoolwires.com/15311099123534613/FileLib/browse.asp?a=374&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&c=76542&15311099123534613Nav=|&NodeID=1987
Open and read the Urban Institute presentation dated 9/19/2008. You’ll find good bullets to support Option 3, you’ll see a very strong recommendation to redistrict, and you’ll see support for the IB school/Magnet schools. You’ll also see several maps on population, school boundaries, etc.
Next open the follow-up presentation dated 2/12/2009. This is an update on the recommendation due to current economic conditions and suggests the IB schools are a way to relieve overcrowding. It also is where they suggest a one-school location for the IB diploma program. Below is information from Slide 17.
• Use of International Baccalaureate (IB) choice programs to relieve crowding
– A Statesville facility & Mt. Mourne become 6-8 grade IB
– A Statesville and/or southern county location becomes an IB diploma program
I believe this is where the board is getting their views and supporting documentation for their positions and they’ve been forming their opinions for more than 1 year.
All of the population and school district boundaries maps can be found by clicking on Maps & Illustrations. Here’s the URL -
http://iss.schoolwires.com/15311099123534613/FileLib/browse.asp?a=374&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&c=76577&15311099123534613Nav=|&NodeID=1988
Finally, a few of the board members graduated from SIHS. So their perspective is going to be partial to SIHS. And given the fact we are only represented by 1 member of a board of 7 with the rest representing the north, quite an uphill battle – URL for Board Maps:
http://www.co.iredell.nc.us/Departments/Mapping/Maps/Iredell_School_Voting.pdf
With that as a backdrop, there are two key points that I think we should focus on with the delivery of Option 3:
Redistricting is going to need to take place within the next few years to properly align students with schools due to overcrowding, independent of any IB school actions. It should have already taken place given LKHS is two times the size of the next closest high school. Plus, growth of the IB program at the 6-8 grade levels will be facilitated by two IB Diploma locations vs. one. With the change to SIHS, key point we need to really drive is that it will kill the IB program in the south. The students will opt for LKHS and AP programs. I know they, the board, don’t believe this. We are going to need to over rally the parents and students. I can hear it at the board meeting now with signs, protests, etc. saying “Heck No, We Won’t Go!” :-)
Next is we really need to drive home the impact on the students in terms of their sense of community with friends, other families, and even within a given family must be brought out as reasons to support why we are parents and our children will no longer participate in the IB program. This is true for both the North and South.
Next is costs. I think we should show them their option may cost more. Here’s the thinking. Bus costs will go up. Maybe savings in school teachers however, assume in year 1 costs may be higher due to teacher training costs. Classroom costs will be higher year 1 as the classrooms need to be equipped to the level MMIB is (smart boards, etc.). But here’s the one that I think is a good one – the changes they propose will cause students to leave the IB program and many will opt for charter/private schools. This will be a negative drain on revenues, thus a cost of their option. When IB opened up, the district rec’d a check for $300,000 due to students going from charters back to IB. Pretty big dollars. Plus, take a look at the announcement yesterday from CMS – no more busing for magnet school students unless they find their own way to a high school. We are heading down that same path.
Then I think we need to find a sensitive way to illustrate SIHS shortcomings, and again drive it as a reason our kids will not go there and will opt back to LKHS or charter/private. It is a division 2 school athletically with terrible school assessment scores. That combined with the drive, the impact on family participation, how to handle a family with kids at IB and standard high school, etc.
Well, that is probably enough for one email. More, consolidated :-) thoughts later.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Catching up- events since 12 April
April 12- School board meeting-
Tom Kerhoulas and Dana Tucker spoke in the public comments section of the school board meeting, Tom as a parent, Dana representing the 9th grade students' parents (thus a bonus 2 minutes). 3 and 5 minutes are extremely limited periods of time, but both presented interests of the MMIB program that were aligned with the feedback we've been getting. There was one representative from the Northview IB program who spoke more briefly, her primary concern was that the Northview IB students needed adequate HS facilities.
School board members made no comments in response, but Superintendent Brady Johnson in his comment section referred to the IB programs as a 'home run', and provided a couple of supporting comments as well.
Meeting in Statesville on 20th was specifically announced as well.
April 20, ISS Board and ISS Administration public meeting about the IB program at 6 pm at Statesville High School in the Mac Gray Auditorium.
Powerpoint from that meeting below labeled "Dp overview"(also available currently on school system's home page):
I missed this one, but it apparently got things stirred up pretty good, because it prompted the next meeting the following evening:
April 21: Parents meeting at MMIB
Intent was to" share information received from last night's meeting with the superintendent. We plan to organize a team of parents to articulate our collective message to the school board and other decision making personnel."
I missed this one as well, business travel. But there is a page on the PTSO site that summarizes current status:
This page encourages all interested parties to weigh in and take action- including taking the survey noted below, and reaching out personally to school board members.
Iredell/Statesville school system survey on the IB Programme.
John Ong has made inroads in a dialogue with superintendent Brady Johnson regarding the IB programme and the superintendent has invited a small group including the PTSO presidents for Northview and Mount Mourne IB programmes to meet with him on Monday, 26 April.
Tom Kerhoulas and Dana Tucker spoke in the public comments section of the school board meeting, Tom as a parent, Dana representing the 9th grade students' parents (thus a bonus 2 minutes). 3 and 5 minutes are extremely limited periods of time, but both presented interests of the MMIB program that were aligned with the feedback we've been getting. There was one representative from the Northview IB program who spoke more briefly, her primary concern was that the Northview IB students needed adequate HS facilities.
School board members made no comments in response, but Superintendent Brady Johnson in his comment section referred to the IB programs as a 'home run', and provided a couple of supporting comments as well.
Meeting in Statesville on 20th was specifically announced as well.
April 20, ISS Board and ISS Administration public meeting about the IB program at 6 pm at Statesville High School in the Mac Gray Auditorium.
Powerpoint from that meeting below labeled "Dp overview"(also available currently on school system's home page):
I missed this one, but it apparently got things stirred up pretty good, because it prompted the next meeting the following evening:
April 21: Parents meeting at MMIB
Intent was to" share information received from last night's meeting with the superintendent. We plan to organize a team of parents to articulate our collective message to the school board and other decision making personnel."
I missed this one as well, business travel. But there is a page on the PTSO site that summarizes current status:
This page encourages all interested parties to weigh in and take action- including taking the survey noted below, and reaching out personally to school board members.
Iredell/Statesville school system survey on the IB Programme.
John Ong has made inroads in a dialogue with superintendent Brady Johnson regarding the IB programme and the superintendent has invited a small group including the PTSO presidents for Northview and Mount Mourne IB programmes to meet with him on Monday, 26 April.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
E-mail trail on school capacity questions
Some more homework from Sheri:
".... The school [MMIB] is not large enough for 1000 students. We don't need a school that large. We will be around 780 students at capacity.
6th-10th- 130 students equals 650 students
11th-12th- 130 total
Total students is 780. As they stated 50% of the kids don't go on to the Diploma Program."
That was Sheri's reaction to these e-mails between Dr. Taylor and Dr. Miller, adminstrative leaders within the Iredell-Statesville school system.
>>> Kenny Miller 3/26/2010 5:00 PM >>>
To all,
The only difference I see for the capacity figures were generated by the increase in class size by the state. In addition the use changed the grade levels resulting in much different class size numbers (The elementary capacity sheet was calculated in 2008 when the class size requirements were less than the current year and Mt. Mourne was an elementary school).
The reason we reworked the capacities was to reflect the changes in class size and different grade levels from the original 2008 worksheet. We could not do this until we had firm figures from the state. As everyone knows any increase in class size will increase capacity. The 550 reflected a best estimate based on state recommended class sizes prior to our knowing the states exact class size changes. The number of students that can be served depends on a lot of factors (sports on site or off?, class offerings and sizes?, students driving?, number of staff? Middle / High School operation? etc.)
Ultimately the answer to everyone's question: "No, Mt. Mourne cannot handle 1000 students in its current configuration". The optimum physical capacity is between 550 and 608 as it is configured at present. Even if you put more mobiles the support services (cafeteria, P.E., parking, staffing etc.) cannot meet the needs without a major upgrade.
Hoping this helps to clarify the information.
The changes were as follows: 2008 in Black and 2010 in Blue.
State Recommended Maximum
K - 3rd. 2008 - 18 21 2010- 20 23
4th. - 6th 2008 - 22 26 2010- 25 29
7th. - 8th 2008 - 21 26 2010- 24 29
9th - 12th 2008 - 26.64 29 2010- 27.5 29
Kenny Miller, Ed.D.
Executive Director for Facilities / Planning
Iredell / Statesville Schools
Office: 704-873-3755
>>> Melanie Taylor 3/25/2010 4:31 PM >>>
FYI - The numbers for MMIB and NVIB are very different on the capacity worksheet shared last month with what we had shared regarding IB planning in November and Feb. A parent brought this to my attention and I told her I would follow up to determine where the differences were. Can you guys help?
Melanie N. Taylor Ed. D.
Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction
Iredell-Statesville Schools
410 Garfield Street
Statesville, NC 28677
Phone 704-832-2521
Fax 704-871-9973
email: mtaylor@iss.k12.nc.us
".... The school [MMIB] is not large enough for 1000 students. We don't need a school that large. We will be around 780 students at capacity.
6th-10th- 130 students equals 650 students
11th-12th- 130 total
Total students is 780. As they stated 50% of the kids don't go on to the Diploma Program."
That was Sheri's reaction to these e-mails between Dr. Taylor and Dr. Miller, adminstrative leaders within the Iredell-Statesville school system.
>>> Kenny Miller 3/26/2010 5:00 PM >>>
To all,
The only difference I see for the capacity figures were generated by the increase in class size by the state. In addition the use changed the grade levels resulting in much different class size numbers (The elementary capacity sheet was calculated in 2008 when the class size requirements were less than the current year and Mt. Mourne was an elementary school).
The reason we reworked the capacities was to reflect the changes in class size and different grade levels from the original 2008 worksheet. We could not do this until we had firm figures from the state. As everyone knows any increase in class size will increase capacity. The 550 reflected a best estimate based on state recommended class sizes prior to our knowing the states exact class size changes. The number of students that can be served depends on a lot of factors (sports on site or off?, class offerings and sizes?, students driving?, number of staff? Middle / High School operation? etc.)
Ultimately the answer to everyone's question: "No, Mt. Mourne cannot handle 1000 students in its current configuration". The optimum physical capacity is between 550 and 608 as it is configured at present. Even if you put more mobiles the support services (cafeteria, P.E., parking, staffing etc.) cannot meet the needs without a major upgrade.
Hoping this helps to clarify the information.
The changes were as follows: 2008 in Black and 2010 in Blue.
State Recommended Maximum
K - 3rd. 2008 - 18 21 2010- 20 23
4th. - 6th 2008 - 22 26 2010- 25 29
7th. - 8th 2008 - 21 26 2010- 24 29
9th - 12th 2008 - 26.64 29 2010- 27.5 29
Kenny Miller, Ed.D.
Executive Director for Facilities / Planning
Iredell / Statesville Schools
Office: 704-873-3755
>>> Melanie Taylor 3/25/2010 4:31 PM >>>
FYI - The numbers for MMIB and NVIB are very different on the capacity worksheet shared last month with what we had shared regarding IB planning in November and Feb. A parent brought this to my attention and I told her I would follow up to determine where the differences were. Can you guys help?
Melanie N. Taylor Ed. D.
Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction
Iredell-Statesville Schools
410 Garfield Street
Statesville, NC 28677
Phone 704-832-2521
Fax 704-871-9973
email: mtaylor@iss.k12.nc.us
Dr. Melanie Taylor visits with a member of our internal task force
Sheri has worked hard to gather information to help us get a better picture, here's a good bit of the information that she has collected on a variety of relevant topics....
1) No recommendation has been made as to what school will house the IB High School Diploma. The rumor that you hear about South Iredell is just that, a rumor. What was stated was if a decision had to be done immediately then a large number of the board would like to house the High School Diploma program at one location and that would be SIHS.
2) Mount Mourne's capacity for students is 550 pupils. This is a lower number than when it was an elementary school because of the size of the kids and supplies needed. We are currently at 408 and will be at 538 if Jason brings in 130 more students.
3) The County never stated that the High School Diploma Program would be housed at MMIB. They stated that the Middle Years Diploma would be at MMIB.
4) Current the county is talking about combining the 2 programs into one location. Statesville currently has a couple of magnet schools and they don't want to add to that. Lake Norman is overcrowded. They are adding a new program (Career Technical Center) which would be located near SIHS which would help with transportation costs.
5) It was stated that if the program grows then they could consider 2 locations. This does not mean that they won't consider 2 locations now just that it may not be feasible. Money and Capacity of schools may limit this. However, a couple of board members would prefer 2 locations.
6) School Size Capacity
MMIB- 550 Currently- 408
LNHS- 2000- Currently- about 1900
SIHS- 1780- Currently- just under 1000
Statesville HS- 1600- around 1000?
7) Interesting fact... If IB did not open then the county would have been forced to redistrict because of over-crowding. By Coddle Creek Elementary housing 6th grade and IB opening, Brawely is better off. With the IB High School kids here it reduces population and classroom's need at high school. This is expected to hold off redistricting for 3-5 years. This was the decision of an outside redistricting company that was looking at redistricting LNHS with Route 150 being the cut off for attendence.
8) For MMIB to house the whole program for our students the costs came back at 1/2 million dollars because of the renting and purchasing of trailers.
9) Primary concern for the county is that such a small number of students at a small school may not have the proper facilities for the classes or be able to offer enough classes for the students.
1) No recommendation has been made as to what school will house the IB High School Diploma. The rumor that you hear about South Iredell is just that, a rumor. What was stated was if a decision had to be done immediately then a large number of the board would like to house the High School Diploma program at one location and that would be SIHS.
2) Mount Mourne's capacity for students is 550 pupils. This is a lower number than when it was an elementary school because of the size of the kids and supplies needed. We are currently at 408 and will be at 538 if Jason brings in 130 more students.
3) The County never stated that the High School Diploma Program would be housed at MMIB. They stated that the Middle Years Diploma would be at MMIB.
4) Current the county is talking about combining the 2 programs into one location. Statesville currently has a couple of magnet schools and they don't want to add to that. Lake Norman is overcrowded. They are adding a new program (Career Technical Center) which would be located near SIHS which would help with transportation costs.
5) It was stated that if the program grows then they could consider 2 locations. This does not mean that they won't consider 2 locations now just that it may not be feasible. Money and Capacity of schools may limit this. However, a couple of board members would prefer 2 locations.
6) School Size Capacity
MMIB- 550 Currently- 408
LNHS- 2000- Currently- about 1900
SIHS- 1780- Currently- just under 1000
Statesville HS- 1600- around 1000?
7) Interesting fact... If IB did not open then the county would have been forced to redistrict because of over-crowding. By Coddle Creek Elementary housing 6th grade and IB opening, Brawely is better off. With the IB High School kids here it reduces population and classroom's need at high school. This is expected to hold off redistricting for 3-5 years. This was the decision of an outside redistricting company that was looking at redistricting LNHS with Route 150 being the cut off for attendence.
8) For MMIB to house the whole program for our students the costs came back at 1/2 million dollars because of the renting and purchasing of trailers.
9) Primary concern for the county is that such a small number of students at a small school may not have the proper facilities for the classes or be able to offer enough classes for the students.
Budget-related information for Iredell-Statesville schools and for IB programme
Here's a link to a page that presents Iredell-Statesville schools preliminary budget, 2010:
http://embedit.in/pbxusXCqQl
Here's a link to a page that gives context to Dr. Melanie Taylor's comments about costs of the IB programme in her discussions with school board as noted in the Statesville Register article:
http://embedit.in/se8JaoI9QS
Special thanks to Sheri and Heather for their contributions on this piece!
http://embedit.in/pbxusXCqQl
Here's a link to a page that gives context to Dr. Melanie Taylor's comments about costs of the IB programme in her discussions with school board as noted in the Statesville Register article:
http://embedit.in/se8JaoI9QS
Special thanks to Sheri and Heather for their contributions on this piece!
Another great opportunity to connect with the school board- this meeting is all about IB!
A message from MOUNT MOURNE IB SCHOOL
Parents,
The school board will be holding a meeting to discuss the future location of the Diploma Programme (11th and 12th grade) on April 20 at Statesville High School's MacGray Auditorium from 6 - 8 PM.
During this meeting Dr. Harwell-Braun, the director of IB education, will be sharing information on the DP program and Mr. Johnson, the Superintendent, will be gathering feedback from parents.
Please plan to attend.
Parents,
The school board will be holding a meeting to discuss the future location of the Diploma Programme (11th and 12th grade) on April 20 at Statesville High School's MacGray Auditorium from 6 - 8 PM.
During this meeting Dr. Harwell-Braun, the director of IB education, will be sharing information on the DP program and Mr. Johnson, the Superintendent, will be gathering feedback from parents.
Please plan to attend.
I know the Task Force is presenting our comments as a group, but I want to also speak as an individual parent. Can I do that? How?
Some of you have expressed interest in also participating in the school board meeting on 12 April. You are free to do so. (What a country!).
You'll need to sign up with the clerk for the board,
"Public comment is welcome at the regular board of education meetings, however, you are reminded to limit your comments to three minutes and sign up prior to the meeting by contacting the clerk to the board at 704-924-2028 or by clicking here."
We are already on the agenda for 5 minutes for one spokesperson to speak on behalf of the entire MMIB 9th Grade parents group as well.
You'll need to sign up with the clerk for the board,
"Public comment is welcome at the regular board of education meetings, however, you are reminded to limit your comments to three minutes and sign up prior to the meeting by contacting the clerk to the board at 704-924-2028 or by clicking here."
We are already on the agenda for 5 minutes for one spokesperson to speak on behalf of the entire MMIB 9th Grade parents group as well.
What's the view from Northview?
Internal task force team members have begun a dialogue with Northview PTSO, to provide us some more context with our "sister" IB program in the Iredell-Statesville school system.
Here is initial report:
"... spoke with the VP of the PTSO at Northview this week. Her name is Kisha Clark and she was very open and willing to work together. ... the parents there are not very organized at this point. I told her about our survey and she is taking the lead on getting a similar survey up and running for their student body. They have some very different issues than we do, ..... their 9th graders do not have options for extracurricular activities such as band at their home schools...a missing link to tying them to any one school, but also a lost opportunity for the kids. She said that some students came to IB to bypass East Middle School and fully intend to go to North Iredell HS for 9th grade. At this point, they don’t have any solid numbers or consensus...making the survey appealing to them as well. "
Thanks for you work, Joanie!
Here is initial report:
"... spoke with the VP of the PTSO at Northview this week. Her name is Kisha Clark and she was very open and willing to work together. ... the parents there are not very organized at this point. I told her about our survey and she is taking the lead on getting a similar survey up and running for their student body. They have some very different issues than we do, ..... their 9th graders do not have options for extracurricular activities such as band at their home schools...a missing link to tying them to any one school, but also a lost opportunity for the kids. She said that some students came to IB to bypass East Middle School and fully intend to go to North Iredell HS for 9th grade. At this point, they don’t have any solid numbers or consensus...making the survey appealing to them as well. "
Thanks for you work, Joanie!
Notes from the 9th Grade parents mtg at MMIB on March 23, 2010
Thank you to each parent and student who attended the meeting on 03-23-10 and to those who have faithfully attended our meetings throughout this year. Your ideas and service really do make a difference for our students and for the MMIB community.
Summary of the Meeting of Ninth Grade Students and Parents
Tuesday, March 23, 2010 8:00-9:00 am MMIB School Cafeteria
1. Carol Cross reiterated the focus of this meeting: to develop a plan for gathering information to include in a 5 min. presentation about housing and direction of the IB Diploma Program in Iredell County by a spokesperson for our group at the ISS Board of Education Meeting on April 12, 2010, 6pm, at the Iredell County Government Center, second floor. This presentaion will be in the "Public Comments" section of the agenda. (Lisa VanBuhler, Parent Liaison, represented the PTSO Board at the meeting on March 23.)
2. Open discussion followed about parent and student preferences for housing the Diploma Program and about recommendations for content of the presentation at the ISS Board Meeting on April 12.
3. It was recommended that a Ninth Grade Internal Task Force gather and synthesize factual information for ninth grade parents and students to consider prior to the presentation on April 12. The following people agreed to serve on the Internal Task Force: Karen Abercrombie, Deb Bradley, Moira Campbell, Heather Griffin, Bob Gourley, Jr., Joanie Guglielmi, Larry Harrelson, Hyeyoung Jung, Jeff Kent, Sarah Miller, Jayanthi Rajan, John Spates, Sheri Vitkus, and Dana Tucker.
3. A MMIB PTSO survey of student/parent preferences for the location of the IB Diploma Program prior to the ISS Board Meeting was recommended.
Summary of the Meeting of Ninth Grade Students and Parents
Tuesday, March 23, 2010 8:00-9:00 am MMIB School Cafeteria
1. Carol Cross reiterated the focus of this meeting: to develop a plan for gathering information to include in a 5 min. presentation about housing and direction of the IB Diploma Program in Iredell County by a spokesperson for our group at the ISS Board of Education Meeting on April 12, 2010, 6pm, at the Iredell County Government Center, second floor. This presentaion will be in the "Public Comments" section of the agenda. (Lisa VanBuhler, Parent Liaison, represented the PTSO Board at the meeting on March 23.)
2. Open discussion followed about parent and student preferences for housing the Diploma Program and about recommendations for content of the presentation at the ISS Board Meeting on April 12.
3. It was recommended that a Ninth Grade Internal Task Force gather and synthesize factual information for ninth grade parents and students to consider prior to the presentation on April 12. The following people agreed to serve on the Internal Task Force: Karen Abercrombie, Deb Bradley, Moira Campbell, Heather Griffin, Bob Gourley, Jr., Joanie Guglielmi, Larry Harrelson, Hyeyoung Jung, Jeff Kent, Sarah Miller, Jayanthi Rajan, John Spates, Sheri Vitkus, and Dana Tucker.
3. A MMIB PTSO survey of student/parent preferences for the location of the IB Diploma Program prior to the ISS Board Meeting was recommended.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Information we are working to gather, share
Here are topics that the task force is pursuing- this is pretty far reaching, we're not likely to get it all in the next week or so, but as information becomes available, we'll get it out there:
1. History of school board's deliberations/actions on IB program to date
2. School board members- profiles (and opinions on IB if possible) - can we already identify champions or detractors? If we want to communicate with the members at an individual level, what approaches might work best for each one? (we can access their profiles on their website, John Rogers has already publicly expressed concerns about a rush to judgment and expenses). Bill Brater publicly expressed support in the same article.
3. Iredell school budget broadly
4. Iredell school budget for the 2 IB programs
5. Melanie Taylor- (see Statesville Register article) where did she get her information from on potential budget numbers? What more can we learn about the Committee of the Whole and their deliberations on the program?
6. Budget tied to 11th and 12th grade expansion- can we get numbers to compare for various options/locations?
7. Parent's group at Northview? What work/information might they have gathered that we could leverage? What can we offer them to help them?
8. Trends and big picture- IB programs in North Carolina and elsehwere in the U.S.- what are some of the big wins, what challenges have occurred and how might they apply to our situation?
9. Location, location, location- perceived benefits and drawbacks of the various locations (from point of view of 1. MMIB students and parents, 2. School Board, 3. general public/our community and county)
10. Headcounts & space- make some "guesstimates" based on information gathered above... integrate into budget pieces
11. Responses from PTSO survey noted earlier. If you haven't completed the survey, please do so by Friday, April 2.
1. History of school board's deliberations/actions on IB program to date
2. School board members- profiles (and opinions on IB if possible) - can we already identify champions or detractors? If we want to communicate with the members at an individual level, what approaches might work best for each one? (we can access their profiles on their website, John Rogers has already publicly expressed concerns about a rush to judgment and expenses). Bill Brater publicly expressed support in the same article.
3. Iredell school budget broadly
4. Iredell school budget for the 2 IB programs
5. Melanie Taylor- (see Statesville Register article) where did she get her information from on potential budget numbers? What more can we learn about the Committee of the Whole and their deliberations on the program?
6. Budget tied to 11th and 12th grade expansion- can we get numbers to compare for various options/locations?
7. Parent's group at Northview? What work/information might they have gathered that we could leverage? What can we offer them to help them?
8. Trends and big picture- IB programs in North Carolina and elsehwere in the U.S.- what are some of the big wins, what challenges have occurred and how might they apply to our situation?
9. Location, location, location- perceived benefits and drawbacks of the various locations (from point of view of 1. MMIB students and parents, 2. School Board, 3. general public/our community and county)
10. Headcounts & space- make some "guesstimates" based on information gathered above... integrate into budget pieces
11. Responses from PTSO survey noted earlier. If you haven't completed the survey, please do so by Friday, April 2.
Getting ready for April 12 school board meeting
This past Tuesday morning there was a parent's meeting at MMIB. We talked about a desire to influence the school board regarding decisions for the 11th and 12th grade years of the IB program.
There were concerns expressed about the School Board's commitment to the program, their understanding of what it takes to have it be a successful endeavor. We heard each other indicate various opinions about the best location for the 11th and 12th grade, that there had been talk of moving those years to South Iredell and combining with the other Iredell county IB program for those years at that more central location.
This site is intended to gather information and share it with participants in the process, so opinions can be identified and clarified, and supplemented by as much hard data as possible.
Our near term effort for this page is to prepare to put together a coherent presentation for the school board meeting on April 12.
Welcome to the blog, please roam around, and weigh in. As the internal task force volunteers (self-identified on Tuesday) gather information, this is the place we'll share it. Likewise, the survey results will be published here.
There were concerns expressed about the School Board's commitment to the program, their understanding of what it takes to have it be a successful endeavor. We heard each other indicate various opinions about the best location for the 11th and 12th grade, that there had been talk of moving those years to South Iredell and combining with the other Iredell county IB program for those years at that more central location.
This site is intended to gather information and share it with participants in the process, so opinions can be identified and clarified, and supplemented by as much hard data as possible.
Our near term effort for this page is to prepare to put together a coherent presentation for the school board meeting on April 12.
Welcome to the blog, please roam around, and weigh in. As the internal task force volunteers (self-identified on Tuesday) gather information, this is the place we'll share it. Likewise, the survey results will be published here.
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