2/24/11
Does the small growth in student population necessitate even considering another school?
Unlike building a home, school construction requires considerably more time from genesis to completion. The timeframe now(by State law)also includes the time involved in preparation for a referendum or perhaps two - one for construction (capital projects) and one to hire and support staff for the building (general fund). BCSC tracks enrollment through a variety of means (including local birth rates and housing starts) in order to anticipate when enrollment growth will reach a point where a new facility will be timely - ideally at 75% capacity the day the doors open. Had the economy continued growing, we would already be in the process of building the new Lincoln Elementary School. Growth has slowed, but BCSC continues to grow each year. Last year it was the fastest growing district in Hendricks County. As the economy picks up, growth is likely to pick up as well. So, yes, it is necessary to consider another school.