The proposal does not align with the guiding principles set by the Boundary Advisory Committee:

 Does not maintain community through transitions between elementary and middle school — Quail Run is isolated as the only USD 497 elementary school where a greater division will be created among students

 Does not consider transportation needs — 100% of this area is currently served by transportation to Southwest Middle School. Less than 10% will be served to West Middle School. This is a social and economic hardship for an area largely populated by working families with two incomes.

 Does not focus on educational impact and learning environment — The principal of West describes his school as “overcrowded,” and the USD 497 RSP projections show continued growth for the next four years. In addition, building permits and development continue in areas north of Peterson Road currently part of the West district and RSP projections for this Quail Run neighborhood show no decline in student population. Meanwhile, under this proposal Southwest will operate considerably below capacity and its population is projected to decline.

 Does not maximize the use of facilities — West Middle School is the 2nd oldest in Lawrence, built in 1960. Southwest was built in 1995 and expanded in 2007. Capacity at West is no more than 720 students, capacity at Southwest is more than 800. Yet West would be maintained at over 96% capacity, while Southwest sits at around 80% full. The more modern, more expansive facility at Southwest should be filled to capacity, not the second oldest facility in the district. One facility was built to handle this capacity - Southwest.

 Does not maximize facilities — The neighborhood surrounding West is not designed to handle vehicle traffic. This plan fills the building to capacity and does not provide transportation, meaning increased traffic congestion, danger for pedestrians, and unnecessary issues for surrounding residents.

 Is not a long term solution — Given the continued growth north of 6th street and lack of room for growth of the facility at West, this plan will undoubtedly fail before current kindergarten students reach 8th grade. This means our neighborhood will be thrown into turmoil again within 5-7 years.