The experiment at Manual High School may be over.
Today the Denver Public Schools announced a series of public hearings in advance of a vote scheduled for next week at which the board may end the three-way division of Manual, which was implemented in 2001.
The school would be reunified for a single year, minus 9th-graders, then revamped completely.
Manual was divided into three schools in 2001 in an effort to improve standardized test scores which had been lagging for years. At the time, administrators believed that smaller groups with a specific focus would be more effective, so the Arts and Cultural Studies School, the Leadership Academy, and Millennium Quest school were created.
“A drastic decline in student enrollment at Manual is forcing us to consider reorganizing the complex,” said Superintendent Michael Bennet, in a statement.
Enrollment has declined by 47 percent in four years. Manual now offers fewer teachers and college prep courses, according to the district.
Under the proposal, Manual would serve only 10th, 11th and 12th grade students, next year.
Incoming 9th graders would attend West High School, instead, or be givin other enrollment choices.
Two community meetings are scheduled at Manual in coming days: Saturday, February 11th at 10 a.m. and Wednesday, February 15, at 7 p.m.
The Board of Education will entertain public comment on Monday, February 16th at 6 p.m. and is expected to take a final vote on Thursday, February 16th.
