There will be two more opportunities for parents to learn more about the proposed Grade-Allignment Scenario 

Grade-Alignment Scenario

This information is about a grade‑alignment scenario the district is currently exploring. This is not a final decision. It is one possible way of organizing our elementary grades, and we need your input before making any decisions.

What is being considered?
Our current configuration has Tilford Elementary serving preschool through Grade 4 for the Vinton attendance area and Shellsburg Elementary serving preschool through Grade 4 for the Shellsburg area plus all of our fifth‑graders. The middle school serves Grades 6–8 and the high school serves Grades 9–12.

Under the scenario being discussed, both Tilford and Shellsburg would continue to offer 3‑ and 4‑year‑old preschool. Tilford would serve all kindergarten through third‑grade students district‑wide, and Shellsburg would serve all fourth‑ and fifth‑grade students. The middle and high school grade spans would remain the same.

Why consider a change?

• Building one cohort from the start: Bringing all kindergartners together fosters friendships, reduces the “Tilford vs. Shellsburg” divide and gives children more stable peer and teacher relationships as they progress through school.

• Greater equity and better use of resources: Centralizing grades allows us to balance class sizes across the district and distribute experienced teachers and specialized staff more fairly. Grade‑level teams can collaborate more effectively when they are in the same building. Experiences and opportunities amongst our elementary students would be equal.

• Consistency and unity: A unified elementary model would ensure all students receive the same programming and support, and it could help us streamline schedules, interventions and professional development.

• Facilities and cost considerations: Aligning grades could balance enrollment between our two elementary buildings and potentially reduce the number of “bubble” sections, creating efficiencies in staffing and operations.

What challenges would need to be addressed?

• Transportation of different groups of students.

• A few families may decide to enroll elsewhere if they do not want their child to travel to another community.

• Teachers and support staff might need to move to different buildings or grade levels.

• Long‑standing school assignments are meaningful to many families and staff, and any change would require careful communication and transition planning.

  
  

  To watch a short video about the scenario, click here.