Does Oakland Elementary Have a High Transfer Rate?

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Patch reader Deanna wrote: "Can you find out what the transfer percentages are for each of the elementary schools? I have a feeling that it is quite high for Oakland Elementary compared to other schools. Why is that?"

To answer Deanna's question, Patch asked Superintendent Shawn Lewis-Lakin for a response. Here's what he said:

I do not have percentages at my fingertips. It would take some digging to get them, as once a student is placed in a building that building becomes his or her home school.

There are a number of reasons people request to move from one building to another. We have people request to move to and from every building in the district.

Oakland School was the last elementary school to receive needed updating (Oak Ridge is the last to get mechanical work completed, but had received other updates). Because of this, there was a fear among some families that Oakland might close. I believe this prompted families to request transfers out of Oakland.

Over the past two years, the district has committed to maintaining Oakland and to improving not only the Oakland physical plant but the overall climate for learning at Oakland. Heating and cooling systems have been replaced. Flooring has been replaced. This summer, the office is being updated, the building is being painted and fencing improvements are being completed. On top of this, Oakland School is leading the way among elementary buildings on integrating technology (iPads) into instruction.

Increasingly, persons in the Oakland attendance area are recognizing the district's commitment to Oakland. While it will take time, I believe this will decrease the number of transfer requests from Oakland to other buildings.