The capacity levels of schools have been and will continue to be reviewed for all levels taking the grade configuration change into account. The process includes recent and projected student population declines and their impact on future enrollment at each school.
For our high schools, the additional grade will mean a return to the enrollment that they had about 15 years ago prior to the declines in student enrollment. Historically, total UCS high school enrollment was at or above 2,100 students or 1,600 at Utica High School.
At the junior high level, all schools would maintain a similar enrollment with the exception of Bemis Junior High, which will need additional classroom space to accommodate a new grade level.
Several strategies will be used to manage building size, including Schools of Choice and inter-district transfer procedures. The district’s procedure will continue to give preference for families with younger siblings.
Class sizes would not change. Sixth and ninth-grade teachers will follow students during the transition.
