Frequently Asked Questions

Strategic Planning
The Most Frequently Asked Questions from the Community…

Q: What factors are driving the overall increase in enrollment over the last
seven years?
A: We are fortunate to have quality schools in Washington Township that contribute to
the overall quality of life in our community. Good schools help bolster a good community.
That has contributed to a steady level of young households/families moving into the
district.

Q: How much funding does the district receive per student through the general
fund formula that is approved by the Indians State Legislature?
A: $5,982.00 per student

Q: Why was Wyandotte closed when it was one of the most recently renovated
schools?
A: The renovations that were done in 2002 were to change the occupancy to Special Ed pre-
school and kindergarten classrooms from what had been the district administrative offices.
There was no additional square footage added to the building. The building capacity is
small and it is not a full size elementary school building. The decision to close the school in
2008 was to allow the school district to operate more efficiently and at that time there was
sufficient capacity to consolidate elementary enrollment into 7 schools.

Q: What was the enrollment and capacity of Harcourt and Wyandotte prior to
closing?
A: Harcourt: Enrollment 431 Capacity 500
Wyandotte: Enrollment 296 Capacity 250

Q: What defines a major renovation?
A: Major renovations are projects that address a majority of a building’s educational and
physical needs, so that the building is left in good shape to operate for another 25 years
with only routine maintenance needs.

Q: How is the capacity of a building figured?
A: Capacity is configured differently at the elementary level than at the middle school and
high school level. In general, at the elementary level the capacity is determined by the
number of grade level classrooms multiplied by the average number of students
determined by the district. At the secondary level, the capacity is determined by
multiplying the number of teaching stations by the districts average number of students
per class multiplied by a utilization factor. The utilization factor ranges from 75 to 90
percent.

Q: What accounts for the difference between the capacity of the Middle Schools and the current enrollment?
A: There are two basic reasons for the difference between capacity and
enrollment at the Middle Schools.
1. Washington Township Middle Schools are programmed as a hybrid of teaming (elementary) and departmental (secondary) curriculum delivery system. In reality, capacities should be lowered somewhat because of this, but there is no hybrid formula currently in use for determining capacity. Eastwood and Westlane do not have any additional classrooms available. In fact, they are teaching classes in spaces that were not intended to be classrooms. When the band or choir teacher has his/her prep period and does not have students, his/her room is available, but these rooms are not conducive to teaching English, math, science or social studies in, so the fact that it is available is misleading. The same could be said for the art room and the gymnasium or any other space that might be available over the course of the school day.
2. Northview Middle School has extra classrooms, but they are used for district-wide programs, such as Adult Education, Alternative Education, JROTC and the district wellness clinic. The classrooms are still under roof at Northview and therefore are counted in that building’s capacity even though they are not used for middle school programming.

(10/2/2015)