Due to the high growth rate in Douglas County, many schools are struggling with overcrowding even while maintaining a four-track calendar. In the 2005 school year, DCSD gained 3000 students; this is the largest single year increase ever experienced in the District. With the enrollment trends, the DCSD must manage to build schools to meet the student demand, but also remain fiscally responsible when that student population graduates and enrollment declines.

DCSD’s planning staff works with citizen representatives on the Long Range Planning Committee, which makes recommendations to the Board of Education on capacity needs, school locations, attendance boundaries, and other issues related to facility planning.

A bond proposal, recommended by the Long Range Planning Committee, has been sent to the School Board for finalization for the November 7th ballot. The bond would cover seven new elementary schools, one new middle school, and a new high school. This year’s bond election does not include a new school for CPN. However, an additional elementary school site is a possibility when future development occurs on the Lagae Ranch.

Watch for more information in future issues of The Connection and on the CPN website at www.cpnhoa.org.