First Hints Coming In About Where Middle School Kids Will be Sent Next Year

A preliminary look at where middle school students in Novato would be disseminated without soon-to-be-closed in the picture was provided to school trustees Tuesday.

A private firm’s initial study — to be completed in the next few weeks — showed one option where kids who live in the Rush Creek and Bahia areas on Novato’s east side as well as those closest to the downtown area switched from Hill to Sinaloa, the westernmost middle school in Novato. The plan shows Hill kids who live in the Black Point, H Lane, Olive Road and School Road areas being sent south to San Jose Middle School.

That option, referred to as Option A, received interest by members of the Board of Trustees on Tuesday. There were three other choices on the preliminary report, but trustees were cautioned by Total School Solutions that final details need to be added.

Option A changes put San Jose’s attendance estimate at 821 kids and Sinaloa at 793 and was the most balanced of the choices. The maximum capacity at the schools are listed at 961 for San Jose and 930 for Sinaloa, meaning no new classrooms would need to be added to either campus.

The preliminary results were based on street boundaries and did not factor in socioeconomic, ethnic and other demographics.

A meeting for residents to provide feedback to the board is set for 5 p.m. March 2.

The trustees voted Jan. 11 to close Hill for a combination of enrollment and financial reasons. The district expects to save $500,000 annually on the closure.