During recently concluded budget presentations provided to the Board, staff reported that student enrollment per classroom teacher is much lower in AUSD than comparison districts, with the most dramatic variance at middle and high schools. At its April 10 meeting, the Board directed staff to fill classes to contractual class size limits to create more consistent class sizes across the District and find funding to raise employee salaries. In public comments, community members and employees asked the Board to explore consolidating Alameda and Encinal High Schools to achieve two results: a) provide additional funding for salary increases to AUSD employees and b) provide a more equitable and comprehensive secondary program for all students.  At its April 24 meeting, the Board directed the staff to provide a timeline of a process for evaluating consolidation of AUSD high schools. 

Staff have drafted a proposal that includes convening a committee, holding public meetings that feature subject matter experts, and preparing a report for the Board of Education. The Board has requested a report that explores what a consolidated high school would look like. The goal is to complete the report by February 2019 to give the Board sufficient time to make a decision.