ArcGIS and MPUSD: Innovative GIS Services for Schools

GCS partners with Monterey Peninsula Unified School District for ArcGIS Consulting Services

GCS is excited to announce our ArcGIS professional consulting services for the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District (MPUSD) in developing a comprehensive Geographic Information System (GIS) to support school boundary management and geospatial analysis.

Project Overview

The Monterey Peninsula Unified School District needed assistance in building an effective GIS to manage school boundaries. In response, GCS provided the following ArcGIS professional services:

1. ArcGIS Online Setup
   • Configured and administer a new ArcGIS Online organization for MPUSD.
2. Staff Training and Support
   • Trained MPUSD staff to effectively manage the ArcGIS Online organization
3. GIS Layer Development
   • Created essential GIS layers, including:
     • District Boundary Layer: Defines boundaries based on address data.
     • School Boundary Layer: Categorizes blocks by school type (Elementary, Middle, High) and allows for flexible assignments of blocks to schools.
4. Data Analysis and Visualization
   • Provided analytical support, including heatmaps and aggregate counts. This includes identifying areas with high chronic absenteeism and concentrations of socioeconomically disadvantaged students.
5. Real-Time Data Integration
   • Connect non-spatial attributes to GIS layers, transitioning from outdated formats to a more user-friendly platform.

Purpose of the School Boundary Editor App

The School Boundary Editor App aims to enhance visualization and understanding of school boundaries within the MPUSD, including all grade levels from kindergarten to high school.

Key Objectives

• Standardize Data: Transition from the existing Grid Code system to Census Block Groups for better clarity and maintenance. The Grid Code system had both overlapping values and missing areas. It was not in a visual format; it was street address segments descriptions ie 100-198 First Ave even houses are district 2, 101-199 First Ave odd house are district 3.
• Visualization of School Boundaries: Develop an interactive map interface displaying school boundaries aligned with Census Block Groups.
• User-Friendly Editing: Create a dynamic system allowing planners and administrators to view and modify school boundaries efficiently.

Map Layers

• School Boundaries: Editable and master versions categorized by school type.
• Student Locations: Represented as a point layer and a heat map layer. Student information was anonymous in generalized location.
• Census Boundaries: All census block groups.

Previous Work Highlights

• Attendance Analysis Tool: Analyze attendance patterns and demographics.
• Automated Data Updates: Daily GIS updates from the Student Information System (SIS).
• Reporting Tool: Assess the impact of boundary changes and visualize school boundaries.

About Monterey Peninsula Unified School District: A Vision for Excellence in Education

The Monterey Peninsula Unified School District (MPUSD) is dedicated to becoming one of the premier public school systems in the United States. Our vision is to serve ALL students effectively, engaging them in deep learning experiences that prepare them to tackle the challenges of the 21st century. Achieving this vision requires hard work, unwavering commitment, and a focus on continuous improvement.

Commitment to Quality Education

MPUSD is founded on a robust framework that includes:

• Effective Instruction: We prioritize high-quality teaching practices to enhance student learning.
• Positive School Culture: Our schools foster an environment of respect, inclusivity, and support.
• Systems of Support: We provide resources and assistance to ensure every student can succeed.
• Collaborative Leadership: Our leadership team works together with educators and the community to drive progress.

We are committed to building innovative schools that offer dynamic learning opportunities for all students. While our programs may evolve, our unwavering focus remains on increasing student achievement and eliminating performance gaps.

District Overview

Established on July 1, 1966, MPUSD is strategically located along the beautiful Monterey Bay. Our district extends from the city of Marina in the north to the city of Monterey in the south, encompassing the vibrant communities of Del Rey Oaks, Marina, Monterey, Sand City, and Seaside.

As we move forward, MPUSD is committed to nurturing a learning environment that empowers every student to thrive and succeed. Join us on this journey toward educational excellence!