Scott Grimes recently was interviewed on 103.5 WAWL.
In the interview Scott Grimes admits that enrollment is declining and it is continuing to decline because birth rates are declining. However, he hopes that will change.
Fact: When the new middle school opens in 4 years, the district is projected to have about 5000 students.
Today, the current number of students is about 5500. In four years GHAPS could close Lakeshore Middle School, move 5th grade back to the elementary schools and use White Pines for 6th, 7th and 8th grades. There is no need for a new building.
Scott Grimes said the design of the middle school building has not yet been done, but will begin once the bond passes. It will take one year to complete the planning process. When asked directly if parents will be invited to participate in the process, Scott Grimes sidestepped the question. He indicated parents had already provided input through surveys, and there would be a community meeting to decide what would happen to Lakeshore Middle School.
Fact: Residents are asked to pay for the new middle school, but will not be allowed to have direct input into the new building design.
Scott Grimes said that every elementary school playground will be replaced at a cost of $500,000 each because playgrounds are expensive.
Fact: Once the new middle school is built the district plans to replace every elementary school with a new building and possibly in new locations. This was disclosed at the October 2022 board meeting.
If the goal is to replace every elementary school, then why bother replacing the playgrounds?