The Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS) Governance Team has agreed on a set of guiding principles to help direct consulting firm HPM in the district’s school consolidation planning process. These principles establish a framework focused on operational sustainability, responsible use of district resources, quality learning environments, and balanced school communities.
The overarching goal is to create an operationally sustainable district by reducing recurring overhead and building operating expenses, including administrative, front office, custodial, utility, and maintenance costs. Through this effort, the district aims to operate within its financial means while continuing to prioritize student needs and educational opportunities.
The guiding principles also outline several district commitments to ensure that facilities and staffing decisions are approached thoughtfully and strategically.
District commitments include:
A Plan for Every Building - Every district building will have a designated purpose. Schools no longer needed to serve students will first be evaluated for potential use by district programs that need improved or additional space. Buildings no longer needed for district operations will move through a dedicated disposition process. The district’s goal is to ensure that no building is left vacant without a plan for its future use.
Facilities Will Be Staffed Appropriately - Teachers will follow students, and student-to-teacher ratios will be established independently of consolidation decisions. Schools will be staffed according to their enrollment and instructional program needs to support effective teaching and learning.
The governance team’s agreed-upon principles include the following considerations:
Savings Are Real, Recurring and Reinvested: Consolidation plans must demonstrate actual, recurring annual operating savings, accounting for any additional transportation expenses. Teacher and staff positions funded through Quality Basic Education (QBE) funding will also be considered in evaluating the financial impact.
Invest in the Strongest Facilities: Decisions will consider the general condition of both closing and receiving schools, the capital investments that may be required, and the deferred maintenance costs that could be avoided.
Right-Sized Schools: The district will evaluate projected enrollment and building capacity, with a target of approximately 15 percent empty seats based on forecasted enrollment. Schools should fall within established minimum and maximum enrollment targets for each grade level, while maintaining clear and logical feeder patterns.
Balanced School Communities: Socio-economic indicators will be considered at each school, comparing conditions before and after proposed consolidations and evaluating the resulting school communities in relation to the district as a whole.
These guiding principles provide a framework for evaluating potential consolidation plans and their long-term impact on the district.
“As we look toward the future of GSCS, we have a responsibility to make thoughtful, strategic decisions that position our district for long-term success,” said GSCS Superintendent Dr. Donald Warren. “These guiding principles provide a framework for evaluating our facilities, resources, and operational needs while keeping students at the center of every decision. Our goal is to ensure that we are using taxpayer resources responsibly, maintaining quality learning environments, and creating a sustainable school system that will serve our students, families, and community for years to come. This is a legacy decision.”
Board of Education Chair Sue McDonald said, “We, the school board and system leaders, are committed to being completely transparent to inform employees, the community and all stakeholders throughout this process. The consulting firm, HPM, has great experience and expertise in navigating this process. Other districts throughout our state and nation are facing similar situations. We are focused on working to provide the best learning environments and resources for our students while practicing prudent stewardship of funds. This process will be positive for GSCS.”
GSCS made the decision to hire a consulting firm for the process of school consolidation after reviewing enrollment that has declined for many consecutive years because of declining birth rate, school choice programs and private and homeschool options.
HPM is currently collecting census data, studying enrollment trends, birth rate, and various other factors in our community. Possible scenarios for consolidation will be released in December. The next steps will include surveys and both in-person and virtual options to gather stakeholder feedback. A recommendation will be made for board decision in January or February.