For its student population, 17 high schools in the District is a lot, Schools Chancellor, Kaya Henderson said.
Most people think smaller schools are better, but "we subsidize many small high schools and specialized programs. We're not utilizing space appropriately, and every single high school wants a state-of-the-art gym, theater, computer lab and what-not, and we just don't have the resources to provide that."
Henderson said budget pressures will force them to "blow the roof off" the way high schools are run. So, for example, maybe create computer or culinary arts centers around the city, rather than in schools. That way, students from different high schools can use them.
Three years ago DCPS closed 23 schools as part of "the first round," and closing high schools is "absolutely an option," Henderson said.
The District will have community meetings before a decision is made, Henderson said.
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