Background:  

In previous lessons, we learned about a hypothetical problem that needed a solution.  In the imaginary community of Quandary, NY, the Quandary Board of Education decided that due to major cuts in financial support (money) from the state and federal governments and the decline in population and school enrollment, they must close one of Quandary's five elementary school buildings. This action would save money and help ease the burden on the taxpayers.

The first step in the decision was to choose three possible courses of action.  The pros and cons for each plan were discussed.  The plans were then prioritized according to their pros and cons.  The decision to chose Plan 2 was made based on the careful study of each plan.

  The Choice:  Plan 2:  

• Close one K-6 elementary school

• Move 6th graders from all of the elementary schools to QJHS, Quandary Junior High School

• Each of the four remaining elementary schools will house grades kindergarten through 5th grade.
• The children from all of the elementary schools will be redistricted and sent to the school closest to their house.

  Necessary Actions:  

Now the time has come for Quandary to put the plan into effect.  Several things must be considered.  Let's look at some questions that the citizens of Quandary have asked their School Board members.

• When will this plan take effect?

• Which elementary school will close?

• What will we do with the elementary school building once it is closed?

• What will happen to the faculty (teachers) and staff (other employees) in the school that is closing?

• What changes must be made to QJHS before 6th graders can move to the school?

  The Next Step:  

The Quandary Board of Education would like to make these changes as easy as possible for the students and families in the community.  In order to make things go smoothly, they realize that they can not move so quickly that they become careless or make costly mistakes.  The first decision therefore is to move slowly and cautiously.  The plan should not be put into effect until all questions have good answers.

The Board of Education also realizes that they will need to hire experts to look at some of the difficult questions.  We often need help from outside sources in order to find the best solutions to complicated problems.  Architects can look at buildings and make decisions about how they may best be used.  City planners can look at school district boundary lines in the community and redraw the borders.  Experts in the field of real estate will be best able to find new uses for the building that is closing or help to find a buyer.  These skilled professionals will all help the Quandary Board of Education to make the best choices for their community.

As we leave Quandary, we feel confident that we did all we could
to help make wise decisions.

Quandary, NY

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