"These two programs are among the most exciting educational endeavors I have ever had the opportunity to witness, and your board and I will do all that is within our abilities to support building upon their successes," Schofield said. "Change always brings rumors, so I felt it important to articulate our best thinking at this time."
Schofield said "Da Vinci will not be moving. The program is flourishing and I envision it remaining at the current campus for the foreseeable future (but) WLA has outgrown its current location...(and) I anticipate this equally exciting program being housed at two locations next year. It will be up to the WLA leadership to continue to explore what type of grade configuration makes the most sense."
He went on to says that the former South Hall Middle School will undergo a multi-million dollar renovation over the next 10 months, providing "a unique opportunity to create spaces that enhance these exciting programs. This space is adequate to house both programs and appears to be among our best solutions for efficiently utilizing available resources."
Schofield says several school officials will be meeting to explore possibilities that will enable both programs "to maintain their identities while taking advantages of economies of scale which can be value adds to both programs. In addition to instructional planning to ensure not just continuation, but also enhancement of the unique curricula for each program, they will address issues related to facility use, traffic patterns and adequate support staff for both programs. In short, we will begin the work of making sure that all changes made enhance both programs without compromising either."
The superintendent added that he welcomes input from all involved as the tempo of these discussions increases over the next two months. "Please let the appropriate principal know if you have suggestions or concerns."
World Language Academy class, first day of school 2008.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2011/10/242681