SIZE AND FUNCTIONALITY OF SITE

SER/SFPS Career Academy Alternative School is located on 2 acres. The school was first opened in 1994 and had an addition in 1994. The total square footage is 18,714.

INFRASTRUCTURE (ON-SITE AND OFF-SITE)

The Academy is located a block from busy Cerrillos Road. Access is from a side road off Cerrillos. The access was restructured on completion of construction of a large new state building next door. The school building is difficult to locate. Improved directional signage was recommended. The site is very small, with little room for building additions or parking expansion. Additional area could possibly be attained from adjacent district facilities. There is no school bus service at the school. The facility is completely fronted by a parking lot. Students park or are dropped off by parents there, since there is no drop off area and the parking lot is very busy, with cars backing out and entering simultaneously. The school would like dedicated staff parking spaces. The sides and back of the site are fenced. Sidewalks are not continuous from building exits, and surfaces are irregular in areas. The landscaping in front requires additional irrigation work, and the grass in the day care play area was dying.

Drainage is a major problem. Apparently, water beneath the building slab was preventing flooring tile from adhering. Relocating surface drainage pipes and regrading to slope away from the building should be a top priority. (SFPS FMP Update 2003)

HISTORIC TRENDS AND PROJECTIONS FOR ENROLLMENT

Career Academy enrollment has generally declined over the past four years. No enrollment projections were prepared.

ATTENDANCE

The SER/Career Academy is an alternative public high school in Santa Fe. This school does not have an attendance area.

CURRENT AND FUTURE PROGRAMS

Students attend the Academy for a variety of reasons. Students admitted to the Academy feel unsuccessful in a traditional high school setting, need an individualized, self-paced curriculum, or simply desire a smaller learning environment. Acceptance to the school is completed by an application and testing process.

The Academy has a community work-friendly atmosphere. Flexible class schedules are available for students. Childcare services for teen mothers are available on site.

SER (Service, Employment, and Redevelopment) is funded by federal and local grants and business partnerships. SER offers a GED program, On-the Job Training Program (OJT), Project Get Ahead, YES Program and the Child Care Center.

OPPORTUNITIES ANALYSIS

SER/SFPS Career Academy:
Should be included in a comprehensive plan
Should be included in future partnership opportunities
Should be evaluated for future capital projects for the next bond issue and/or capital program

The needs at this school are expanding beyond the capacity of its current location. The district is considering moving SER/Academy to the former Larragoite Elementary School facility, possibly by the 2011-12 school year.