Middle School Conversion – Brookvale PTA

Dear Brookvale Parents,

On behalf of the Brookvale PTA, here is a summary of what we know about the recent chatter regarding a possible new middle school to be built on the ‘Horse Property’, and what we encourage you to do as parents living in the American Attendance Area.

What message is circulating? Rumors have circulated that the FUSD school board is leaning towards building a new high tech middle school on the ‘Horse Property’ for the Washington Attendance Area (a replacement to Centerville Junior High).

FACTS

During the June 7, 2017 FUSD school board meeting, four (4) options regarding the middle school conversion were presented to the public and are on the table for discussion. (Source: Presentation: FUSD Middle School Conversions: Vision, Planning and Direction)

FUSD Planning Considerations

Option 1

Build Future middle school (MS) on “Horse Property” for 2,400 students and become the new MS in the American High School Attendance Area
Convert current Thornton campus to specialized program campus (Grades K-5, 6-8, or K-8)
Build Centerville MS according to the LRFP (Long Range Facilities Plan)

Option 2

Build Future MS on “Horse Property” for 2,400 students and become the new MS in the American High School Attendance Area
Move Centerville MS to current Thornton MS site
Convert current Centerville MS site to specialized program campus (Grades K-5, 6-8, or K-8)

Option 3

Option 4

Build smaller Future MS on “Horse Property
Build Thornton MS according to LRFP
Build Centerville MS according to LRFP

Archived video of the Board discussion from the June 7th meeting (Link to video: Discussion starts at approximately 18:00)
One of our Brookvale parents has allowed us to share with you her emailed response directly from Ann Crosbie (President of the School Board). This parent wrote to Ms. Crosbie with concerns about the Horse Property being used to develop a new Middle School for Centerville.

FUSD board is aware of American Attendance Area parental concerns.
Will Middle School Conversion be added to the Board Meeting agendas?
- September 27: Not confirmed. It is a possibility due to the recent increase of parental concerns circulating
- October: Topic added to the meeting. (Source: Ivy Wu, Fremont Council PTA president)

Middle School Conversion Status (Source: FUSD website FAQs)

Anticipated schedule for Thornton to transition from grades 7-8 to 6-8 is: 2021-22
Visit the FUSD website for update-to-date information

Three things you can do as a parent in the American Attendance Area

Become educated
- Learn about Fremont Unified School District (FUSD), the Board of Education, Middle School Conversion, our school, etc.
- FUSD website
- FUSD Middle School Conversion
- Brookvale Elementary website
Attend Board Meetings
- Become current with the Board of Education’s discussions and have a chance to voice your opinions
- General FUSD Board Meeting Calendar
- Board Meeting Agendas
- Live-Stream the Meeting if you cannot attend
- Board Meeting Video Archive
- Regular board meetings are tentatively scheduled for the 2nd and/or 4th Wednesdays of each month at 6:00 pm.
Communicate with the Board of Education
- Website: Board of Education Members
  Ann Crosbie – President
  Yang Shao – Vice President
  Michele Berke – Clerk
  Desrie Campbell – Member
  Larry Sweeney – Member

Next Board Meeting:

September 27, 2017, Wednesday, 6pm to 10pm
Education Center – Board Room – District Office – 4210 Technology Drive

We understand that parents may be feeling confused and/or frustrated during this time of the unknown. If you are experiencing these feelings, then it shows that you care about your child’s well being and success at school. Just remember that Fremont Unified is a public school system; therefore, decision making discussions take place at board meetings, a public setting. We as parents of Fremont students have the opportunity to communicate with board members via email or by attending those board meetings.

Best Regards,

Jennifer Louie-Monzon
Brookvale PTA, President