Fifth-graders may join middle school

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Carrier Mills-Stonefort school board is considering transitioning fifth-graders into a middle school format to benefit both curriculum and finances.

Superintendent Richard Morgan said the fifth graders are already meeting in the middle school portion of the combined elementary school and junior high. By introducing fifth-graders to middle school math, the school could benefit on state testing and also result in a cost savings to the district.

He envisions the fifth-graders spending part of the day in a self-contained class setting and move into the middle school setting for specialized classes like algebra and reading. Morgan hopes the concept would result in more eighth-graders receiving algebra credit.

Morgan said the move could free the school from replacing some retiring teachers and could require teachers be shared between the buildings.

"The committees have met a couple of times and we'll see what succeeds. We're just working out the details. Right now we are open to all suggestions from guidance, administration and faculty and looking at what we think are the best alternatives," Morgan said.

Morgan said at this point the board does not intend to eliminate any programs despite anxieties over the state's funding situation for next year.

"We are not looking at pre-kindergarten losing jobs. We expect the state to come through with pre-k money next fall. I don't want to jump too quick. We realize we are going to be in a hole next year, but with our surplus our financial profile is strong. We will ride it out at least another year," Morgan said.

-- DeNeal receives e-mail at bdeneal@yourclearwave.com.