Talking Points
Save Our Sexton – Talking Points
1. The District has not made its' case to the voting public to decide
ona right-sizing plan that includes closing either Eastern or Sexton
HS in this academic year.
2. The District is in the process of hiring a new superintendent, with
three new Board members freshly appointed in January 2012.
3. The BOE has commissioned four studies of the feasibility of
reorganizing, redistricting, or right-sizing the Lansing School
District since 2002. The recommendation to right-size has been
previously proposed, as recently as 2008.
4. The BOE has not demonstrated the cohesiveness, boldness or
transparency needed to responsibly navigate this process without a
hired superintendent in place.
5. The condition of the existing facility at Sexton is much better from
a life cycle cost value. The level of investment required to secure
the services of the facility over the next 20 years is much less at
Sexton than at Eastern. Given the age of the facility, the cost to
ensure Eastern is functional for the next 20 years would be an
irresponsible investment as you determined with the demolition of
the former Pattengill Jr. High of similar vintage and condition.
6. The Capacity of Sexton is greater than Eastern, and the ability to
expand capacity in the future would be much easier at Sexton than at
Eastern.
7. The prior investment in the athletic facilities and ability to meet
the current and future needs of athletic programs is more easily met
at Sexton.
8. Current academic success rate at Sexton exceeds that of Eastern
(although the performance of both schools is below an acceptable
standard and student retention must be a requirement of any solution).
9. The exit strategy for Eastern has much more financial opportunity
for LSD given the proximity of Sparrow and their potential growth
over the next 20 years.
10. The elimination of the Verlinden plant and Sexton HS in the same
neighborhood would have an inordinate negative effect on the
neighborhoods in the surrounding areas.
11. Historic tax credits, redevelopment initiatives, and other public
private partnerships are tools that make the adaptive reuse of the
Eastern Campus a very feasible initiative that enhances the
districts exit strategy for the school over and above that for a
vacant Sexton HS.
Next Steps:
1. Write letters to the BOE and Letters to the editor using talking points.
2. Assemble for the Press Conference at 11:00 a.m. in Sexton's Social Room
6. Gather as many supporters as possible for the Thursday, Jan 19. Board of Education meeting.
1. The District has not made its' case to the voting public to decide
ona right-sizing plan that includes closing either Eastern or Sexton
HS in this academic year.
2. The District is in the process of hiring a new superintendent, with
three new Board members freshly appointed in January 2012.
3. The BOE has commissioned four studies of the feasibility of
reorganizing, redistricting, or right-sizing the Lansing School
District since 2002. The recommendation to right-size has been
previously proposed, as recently as 2008.
4. The BOE has not demonstrated the cohesiveness, boldness or
transparency needed to responsibly navigate this process without a
hired superintendent in place.
5. The condition of the existing facility at Sexton is much better from
a life cycle cost value. The level of investment required to secure
the services of the facility over the next 20 years is much less at
Sexton than at Eastern. Given the age of the facility, the cost to
ensure Eastern is functional for the next 20 years would be an
irresponsible investment as you determined with the demolition of
the former Pattengill Jr. High of similar vintage and condition.
6. The Capacity of Sexton is greater than Eastern, and the ability to
expand capacity in the future would be much easier at Sexton than at
Eastern.
7. The prior investment in the athletic facilities and ability to meet
the current and future needs of athletic programs is more easily met
at Sexton.
8. Current academic success rate at Sexton exceeds that of Eastern
(although the performance of both schools is below an acceptable
standard and student retention must be a requirement of any solution).
9. The exit strategy for Eastern has much more financial opportunity
for LSD given the proximity of Sparrow and their potential growth
over the next 20 years.
10. The elimination of the Verlinden plant and Sexton HS in the same
neighborhood would have an inordinate negative effect on the
neighborhoods in the surrounding areas.
11. Historic tax credits, redevelopment initiatives, and other public
private partnerships are tools that make the adaptive reuse of the
Eastern Campus a very feasible initiative that enhances the
districts exit strategy for the school over and above that for a
vacant Sexton HS.
Next Steps:
1. Write letters to the BOE and Letters to the editor using talking points.
2. Assemble for the Press Conference at 11:00 a.m. in Sexton's Social Room
6. Gather as many supporters as possible for the Thursday, Jan 19. Board of Education meeting.