MPS board approves plan to transform Bay View High School

Bay View High School will focus on creativity and innovation under the plan, building upon strong science/technology/engineering/arts/math (STEAM) programming. That focus will include project-based learning that relies upon and builds student knowledge across multiple subject areas. The plan also includes more rigorous expectations for graduation. Some changes will take place in the 2013-14 school year, with full implementation beginning in 2014-15.

The school will also phase out its existing middle-school grades, beginning by admitting no 6th-grade students in the upcoming school year. Bay View will also accept a smaller 9th-grade class for the upcoming year and require students and staff interested in continuing at the school to recommit to the new program.

A smaller 9th-grade class will give the school one year to further market and develop the program; to develop a feeder system among neighborhood K-8 schools; and to explore the feasibility of bringing the College Board’s SpringBoard college preparatory program to Bay View and the middle-school grades of neighborhood K-8 schools. Students who live in the Bay View High School attendance area will continue to receive preferential enrollment at the school.

The changes grew out of the Believe in Bay View process, which was rooted in community meetings held during the 2011-12 school year. In the current school year, a steering committee consisting of students, parents, teachers, school administrators, neighbors and community leaders oversaw a widespread public input process.

“We’re excited about the future of Bay View High School,” MPS Superintendent Gregory Thornton said. “This plan is the result of extensive input from students, parents, Board members, teachers, administrators, neighbors and community leaders. We’re grateful they have all sent the clear message that they Believe in Bay View.”