The NUSD Board of Trustees, at its Nov. 12 public meeting, discussed projected student growth and options for accommodating thousands of new students over a 10-year period after the Natomas building moratorium is lifted, which could occur as early as next summer. The staff presentation to Trustees will lay groundwork for public hearings and tough Board decisions over the next few months. The following is an introduction written for the community and a link to the PowerPoint presentation to Trustees:
Dear Parents and Community,
This is the 3rd in a series of presentations regarding Natomas Unified’s thoughtful efforts to address school facility needs as we “Transition Out of the Moratorium”. With the help of city and county staff we can make conservative and moderate predictions regarding Natomas Unified’s continued growth. In the past 3 years, the district has grown almost 1,500 students – while the de facto moratorium has kept new construction at bay. This presentation outlines possible growth in Natomas Unified and the effect new dwelling construction could have on our student enrollment.
Natomas Unified is looking at combinations of new school construction, year round calendars, placing holds on future transfer requests and boundary adjustments necessary to continue to provide a high quality education for our students. This presentation makes no recommendations and the board took no action.
This presentation represents ongoing efforts by staff to forecast what moves will be necessary to accommodate future growth. In the months ahead Natomas Unified staff will address short term solutions while the building moratorium remains in effect. At best, we are hearing June of 2015 the moratorium could be lifted. This will make school capacity a particular challenge in 2015-2016. Since August 2013, Natomas Unified has been looking at and addressing a long-term Facilities Master plan and next steps. This PowerPoint is one step among the district’s on-going discussions regarding meeting the facilities needs of our district now, when the de facto moratorium lifts and long term.
Here is a link to the PowerPoint presentation to the Board of Trustees:
