19 Mar 2008
Three Clusters to Transfer to Emmett J. Conrad High School
at the Beginning of the 200809 School Year
DALLAS— proposal presented to the Dallas Independent School District by a committee comprised of Skyline High School stakeholders to move three clusters from Skyline to Emmett J. Conrad High School in order to relieve overcrowding will be implemented in time to begin the 2008-09 school year.
During the past six weeks, the committee has been studying several options to address the ongoing safety issues caused by overcrowding. The committee presented three options to the districts Executive Leadership Team, which accepted the committees proposal to transition the Computer Technology, Electronics and Hospitality/Hotel Management clusters to Conrad High School. The committee was comprised of the schools principal, parent, teacher and student representatives as well as the PTA president, the chair of Skylines site-based decision-making committee, and central staff.
I want to personally thank the committee for its comprehensive and thoughtful analysis of the issues, said Superintendent of Schools Michael Hinojosa. As a result, this is a stronger plan that will address our safety concerns. While I recognize and appreciate that no students or teachers want to leave Skyline, it is imperative that these overcrowding and safety issues be addressed. The positive side is that these three clusters will have the opportunity to expand and flourish. In the end, more students will get a chance to apply and participate in these outstanding programs.
Because the deadline for students to apply to the districts award-winning magnet programs is this Thursday, March 20, students and parents need to know where the various programs will be located. District staff has been directed to ramp up efforts to ensure that there is a smooth transition plan for Skyline students and that those students will be provided the same high level of instruction that they are currently receiving when the programs move to Conrad High School.
The partnerships that have been developed with Richland College and others over the course of the last few months will strengthen these cluster programs significantly, said Hinojosa. We are fortunate that the community has stepped up to support the district in enhancing programs to benefit students and prepare them for the workforce.
Skyline currently has a total of 24 clusters. The committee was directed to come up with a permanent solution to reduce the student population from more than 5,000 students that attended Skyline earlier this school year to 4,400 at the beginning of the 200809 school year.
I have been encouraged and heartened by the amount of school spirit and pride that has been expressed by supporters from Skyline. It is refreshing to see their love for the school, said Hinojosa. The decision to move even one cluster is not taken lightly, but the ongoing safety issues created by overcrowding need to be addressed immediately.
Skylines student population will continue to be monitored closely at the beginning of the next school year. Additional changes may be necessary if overcrowding continues to pose safety concerns.
Skyline is indeed one of Dallas crown jewels with a rich history of producing outstanding graduates. Our goal is to maintain Skylines high level of achievement while addressing the significant safety issues at the school, said Hinojosa.