Swartz Creek Schools to Transition Back to K-5 Model by 2026

Swartz Creek Community Schools in Michigan will revert to a traditional K–5 educational model starting in the fall of 2026. This decision, announced during a Board of Education meeting on November 19, 2023, follows feedback indicating that the current split-grade configuration has not met the anticipated academic or financial outcomes.

The board’s vote comes after a survey revealed that approximately two-thirds of parents and staff support returning to the K-5 structure. Board President Kim Winter emphasized the importance of this feedback, stating, “It was a questionnaire that went out to parents and staff in reference to returning to K-5 buildings.” She noted that the district had not seen the improvements in test scores or educational quality that were promised with the split system, which was originally adopted under the assumption of cost savings that never materialized.

Transportation issues also played a significant role in the decision. The district’s transportation leader informed the board that shifting back to K–5 would eliminate the current shuttle setup, streamlining travel for students. Interim Superintendent Jim Kitchen expressed the need for careful planning, stating, “We are working diligently to develop our plan and will be hosting a community informational meeting in the coming weeks.”

Community Support and Transition Planning

The district is in the process of forming a steering team responsible for detailed planning as they prepare for the transition. Kitchen reassured the community, “Prior to our most recent configuration, our elementary buildings operated as K-5, so we are confident in our ability to manage the capacity.” He plans to provide regular updates to keep families informed.

Trustee Andrea Fick highlighted the advantages of a traditional setup, noting that parents often encounter challenges, such as attending holiday parties. “It’s more of a commute in the morning. You’ve got to run your youngsters to one building. I think it’s a good idea,” she remarked.

The shift back to the K-5 model is expected to have implications for school-of-choice placements and the assignment of students to specific buildings. The board acknowledged concerns from families who selected schools based on the current system. In response to questions raised by parents on social media, the district stated, “We don’t have the answer to that yet,” indicating that it is too early to provide detailed information on how these changes will affect current arrangements.

As the district moves forward, it will conduct a workshop involving board members, administrators, principals, teachers, transportation personnel, and facilities staff to develop a comprehensive transition plan. The goal is to ensure that by the time the new model is implemented, all stakeholders have the necessary information to navigate the change smoothly.