Mentor Schools’ facilities plan streamlines the educational process while keeping a sharp eye on the bottom line

By Mimi Vanderhaven

Responding to population shifts within a school district can be a challenge for any school system. Here in Mentor, a comprehensive program was put together earlier this year to consolidate schools, while continually improving the student learning experience.

“For the last 15 years, our enrollment has been declining,” says Kristen Kirby, director of community relations for the Mentor School System. “So, our leadership was tasked with finding ways to operate in a fiscally responsible manner, while keeping our standard of education at its highest level. The Facilities Management Plan was presented to the community via informational meetings in January.”

When school doors opened last month, two elementary schools had closed (Brentmoor and Garfield), and one middle school, Ridge, was converted to an elementary school. So as a whole, the district went from three middle schools to two, and eight elementary schools to seven.

“We took a serious look at each of our facilities and decided which school would offer the best opportunity,” she says. “There are definite advantages for the 784 students at Ridge Elementary School in terms of facilities and enhanced learning environment.”

For instance, Ridge features larger classrooms and more flexible furniture that can be easily reconfigured for different learning settings. One of the two band rooms has been converted into a STEM classroom, and a storage area for musical instruments has become a Media Center.

“We’ve also added a playground and enlarged the parking lot to best fit elementary students,” she reports.

There are advantages from a personnel standpoint as well, since two co-principals will oversee the school, and more teachers within each grade will mean more opportunity for collaboration and sharing of ideas.

“Transparency has been important to us throughout the process,” says Superintendent Bill Porter. “As always, our top priority will continue to be providing a safe learning environment where students can grow academically, socially and emotionally.”

The plan is projected to save more than $7 million over the next five years.

Look for these monthly stories to cover topics at every level of the schools throughout the school year. The Mentor School system educates 7,700 students from pre-K to 12th grade. To find out more, visit MentorSchools.net.