Though I understand the philosophy, there has to be a better way. I know of families who have endured multiple re-assignments. And it must be costly.

I would feel more confident if there were studies that clarified the effects of the policy.

What exactly are the measured benefits/consequences to re-assignment? Is there an optimal ecomonic mix for a school? Is this the best use of our resources?

Another aspect to this: the way in which the school system seems to have imposed it's policy has placed parents on the defensive. I'm not sure how to say it... but perhaps a more constructive & collborative method that encourages the school board & parents to work together can be devised, so we don't have the same controversial up-roar every year.

I agree completely, triangletwins. Although we're thankful to have flown under the radar with reassignment thus far, now they are set on making Leesville Rd Middle School year round. I have two kids there, and two kids at a traditional elementary school, which means they'd all be on different schedules. It's so incredible frustrating. Although I personally don't like the idea of yr school in general for our family, that's not the point. My personal feelings and convenience are irrelevent. But the facts are this: my 6th grader has only 3 teachers on her team this year instead of 4, because the student numbers have gone down, growth is flat in the area, and it's not a neccessity. The conversion will cost a fortune, at a time that they are supposed to be cutting costs. Also, being able to accomodate more kids at the middle school is silly anyway, when they all get dumped into the high school that is already overcrowded and not slated to go YR at all. I get the general idea of diversity, but at what cost? I think they are carrying it too far. Their attitude seems to be "your kids and family life are not a priority-your kids have all the advantages they need in life, and we're going to focus on the kids that don't have those advantages". So they alienate the very families whose resources they count on to make these schools a success which is cutting off their noses to spite their faces.

It also seems to me that if you complain enough and speak up enough at these meetings, they may grant you (and your neighborhood) your wish but then just pick another node to change. There seems to be no consistency or logic to the plan.

lilybug, I'm sorry you have to deal with this. I would be very upset if my children were on different schedules.

What is odd, is after the big move to encourage enrollment in year-round schools just last year, some (e.g. Green Hope Elementary) will be converted back to traditional because growth wasn't as expected.

It gives the impression that families schedules are at the whim of a short-sighted program.

Yes, year round works well when people choose it-and it does fit into some familes' lives quite well. But forcing it on people doesn't work as well. Most places that have tried forced conversion revert back eventually. I wish they could keep a couple of schools as YR options, and quit forcing the existing schools to change. And this is JUST on a personal level-quit trying to convince me I want my kids off for three weeks in February. Stop trying to convince me the kids retain more. In short, I wish the school system would quit peeing on my leg and telling me it's raining.

Please note on the WCS website these goals:

Creating stable school environments (families, classmates, and peers)
Protecting the ability to offer quality programs in every school
Collaborating with the community (all parties/stakeholders)
Creating and maintaining a diverse student body
Alleviating overcrowding
Filling seats efficiently
Achieving academic success for all children
Providing a logical progression between elementary, middle, and high school
Creating good teaching conditions (the social, emotional, and physical environment)
Retaining good teachers
Ensuring consistency across the system over time
Building a sense of community and connection (i.e. neighborhoods, parent involvement)
Fairness

Can they actually promise these? How will they be measured? Will they be evaluated periodically? How many of these goals are in the best interest of your child(ren)? Always argue on the side of your child(ren). Don't take generalizations that can't be proved. You know your child(ren) best.
Your child(ren) will be served best when your teachers are treated in the best, professional manner. Take all the attention given to the lofty goals, employ and trust teachers and prinicipals who love the job. Give them a chance to play to their strengths. Give them aid when weasknesses occur. These are children, not apples and oranges. So, back to the goals, specifically, how will each one of these be achieved by one strategy, reassignment? If the federal government says you must do something in order to get specific funding, find other ways to achieve the best for your students, not just the most expensive, wasteful, stressful means.