News Summary

The concept of small schools within Springfield High School will be the focus of three community meetings in early June.

At meetings June 4, 5 and 6, Springfield City Schools Superintendent Jean Harper and EdWorks Executive Director Harold Brown will explain the small schools concept to members of the public and answer questions about it.

Harper and Brown will explain why the district is adopting the small schools model and what it means for students, staff and the community, district spokeswoman Mattie White said.

"We want the community to be aware of where we are with small schools, what the concept is all about," she said.

North and South high schools will consolidate in September 2008 with the opening of Springfield High School at 701 E. Home Road. School leaders are planning to create four small schools within the 2,400-student school to provide a more personalized environment for students.

The district hired EdWorks, a nonprofit subsidiary of the KnowledgeWorks Foundation, to guide the formation of small schools.

White said participants in the June meetings can expect to hear an overview of the various committees that have been formed to recommend procedures for different aspects of the consolidation.

The purpose and intent of the committees will be discussed, she said, but updates on the progress of the committees' work will not be given. Participants will receive a schedule for future meetings when they can receive progress updates, White said.

Harper did not return a phone call from the News-Sun on Tuesday seeking comment about progress of consolidation.

The district's timeline for consolidation lists several areas of work that are to be completed by June, including:

• The organizational structure of the new high school

• A contingency plan in case construction of the new high school is delayed

• Equitable and balanced assignments for department heads, the international baccalaureate coordinator, athletic director, marching bands and other musical groups, coaches and club/organization advisers

• A new alma mater and fight song

• Common expectations for discipline

• Merging of the master schedule, athletics, student government and school partnerships with the community.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0367 or gcetnar@coxohio.com.