Over the past several months, I have had the opportunity to sit in community meetings, visit with staff, answer emails, and listen to families across Summit County. I have heard concerns, ideas, frustrations, hopes, and questions. Most importantly, I have seen how deeply this community cares about its schools and its students.
 

Thank you for being part of this process.
 

At its May meeting, the Board of Education directed district leadership to begin planning for the future consolidation of Breckenridge Elementary and Upper Blue Elementary. While that direction provides a starting point, important decisions still remain regarding facilities, funding, and implementation timelines.
 

One of the most common questions I hear right now is: What happens next?

The purpose of this update is to answer that question.
 

Planning Starts Now

Regardless of what ultimately happens with facilities or future funding, the planning work begins now.

Over the coming months, we will focus on the things that matter most to students and families:

• Student transition and belonging
• Family communication and support
• Transportation and logistics
• Academic programming and student services
• Staffing and employee support
• Facilities and operational readiness
• Honoring the history and legacy of Breckenridge Elementary

Our goal is to thoughtfully build one strong school community where every student feels welcomed, supported, connected, and prepared for success. As we plan, we are looking at the needs of all students and families who are part of our school community.
 

Beginning this work now allows us to be thoughtful, collaborative, and well-prepared while keeping students at the center of every decision.
 

Two Possible Paths Forward

While the Board has directed us to move forward with consolidation planning, there are still two possible facility pathways.
 

Pathway 1: Consolidation Without Construction

• Existing facilities would be utilized with operational adjustments and minor renovations.
• Consolidation would occur for the 2027-28 school year.

Pathway 2: Consolidation With Construction

• Additional classroom and learning spaces would be added at Upper Blue Elementary before consolidation occurs.
• Consolidation would occur for the 2028-29 school year following construction.

After months of analysis and discussion, both the Master Planning Committee and district leadership recommended the construction pathway because it provides additional learning space, flexibility, and long-term capacity. However, this option would require voter approval through a future bond measure.
 

Importantly, the planning work for students, families, staff, transportation, and operations is necessary under either pathway and will move forward now.
 

Community Polling: A Key Decision Point

This month, the district is conducting community polling through Magellan Strategies.
 

I have heard questions about why not everyone receives the poll. Professional polling is designed to gather feedback from a statistically representative sample of likely voters rather than every voter in the community. This allows us to understand overall voter sentiment better and whether there may be support for a future bond proposal. A survey link will be shared more broadly late next week to gather community input from those not included in the polling sample.
 

The polling results will be an important inflection point in this process. Following the June 25 Board of Education meeting, we will provide a detailed public update sharing:

• What we learned from the polling
• What the results mean for the pathways under consideration
• Whether a bond  and/or MLO measure is likely to be considered
• The timeline and next steps moving forward

Even when we do not have every answer, I believe it is important to communicate what we know, what we are still learning, and when people can expect additional information.
 

As we move forward, we will continue listening, communicating, and planning carefully. Most importantly, we will continue making decisions through the lens of what is best for students.

Thank you for your partnership, your engagement, and your continued support of Summit School District.

With appreciation,

 Dr. Tony Byrd
 Superintendent, SSD