PURPOSE
The Board of Education of Lake County School District R-1 recognizes that changing demographics, facility conditions, and fiscal realities may require the consolidation of school facilities to maintain educational quality and operational sustainability. This policy provides a structured, equitable, and community-informed framework for evaluating and implementing school consolidation decisions.
DEFINITION
School Consolidation refers to the permanent closure of one or more schools within the district and the reassignment of students and staff to other schools or facilities within the district, including reconfiguration of grade levels across buildings.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
- Equity and Access: All decisions shall prioritize equitable access to quality instruction, facilities, and student services for every learner in Lake County.
- Educational Excellence: Consolidation plans must aim to preserve or enhance educational outcomes and learning environments.
- Community Engagement: The Board commits to provide informational opportunities as well asl opportunities for transparent, respectful, and inclusive community input.
- Fiscal Stewardship: The Board shall responsibly manage public resources while ensuring educational integrity.
- Long-Term Sustainability: Consolidation shall align with long-term enrollment projections, the most efficient and appropriate use of district facilities use, and operational capacity.
PROCEDURE
A. Preliminary Review
The Superintendent or designee shall initiate a review when one or more of the following conditions exist:
- Sustained or projected enrollment decline at a school site or across the district, as determined by the Superintendent or designee.
- Facility condition or capacity limitations that hinder educational delivery.
- Budget constraints impacting the district’s ability to maintain multiple facilities.
- Academic or programmatic inequity between buildings.
This review may include:
- Enrollment data and future projections.
- Building capacity/utilization analysis.
- Educational program evaluation.
- Cost-benefit and financial impact assessments.
- Transportation, access, and safety implications.
The outcomes of this review shall be presented to the Board of Education.
B. Formation of the Lake County Facilities Committee (LCFC)
If a school consolidation is deemed a potential option, the Superintendent or designee shall convene the LCFC, and shall ideally include at least one representative from the following groups:
- Parents/guardians representing affected schools.
- Certified and classified staff.
- District administrators.
- Community members.
- Representatives from facilities, transportation, and finance departments.
The LCFC will:
- Review data and options.
- Host public input sessions.
- Deliver written findings and recommendations to the Superintendent.
C. Stakeholder Engagement
As a part of the LCFC process, the District will:
- Host at least one public forum at accessible locations and times in the predominant languages of the district to share information about the consolidation decision making process.
- Provide opportunities for feedback.
- Share meeting materials and updates through district channels.
D. Superintendent’s Recommendation
Based on analysis by the Superintendent and having considered the LCFC’s findings and recommendations, the Superintendent will prepare a formal recommendation to the Board that may include some or all of:
- A proposed consolidation plan.
- Impact analysis.
- Student and staff reassignment logistics.
- Financial and operational outcomes.
- An overview of operational plans and supports.
E. Board Review and Decision
The Lake County Board of Education will consider and act by written resolution on the Superintendent’s recommendation in a public meeting. The Board may approve, amend, or reject the recommendation in its sole discretion. The Board’s decision shall be final.
IMPLEMENTATION
Upon Board approval:
- The Superintendent shall lead the development of an operational plan.
- Families and staff will be notified in a timely and supportive manner.
- Counseling, academic planning, and transportation adjustments will be made.
- Staffing will be realigned in compliance with district policy and applicable collective bargaining agreements.
Adopted: August 25, 2025
LEGAL REFERENCE
- C.R.S. § 22-32-109 (Board of Education duties)
- C.R.S. § 22-30-103 to 110 (School District Organization Act)
- C.R.S. § 22-32-110 (Board powers)
Adopted: August 2025
Lake County School District R-1, Leadville, Colorado