Elementary Boundary Adjustment

Our district has a strong tradition of community elementary schools that serve our local cities and neighborhoods. Over time, changes occur in the number of school-age children within those communities, causing some of our neighborhood schools to be larger than others. When that happens, the district needs to re-balance the numbers of students that attend each school.

This is done by adjusting attendance boundaries and moving some neighborhoods into different elementary school attendance areas. Changing boundaries helps ensure that each student has access to the support and resources they need. It also creates efficiencies for each school and balances operational costs across the district.

Timeline:

The process of determining the new boundaries will happen this spring, but the changes will not take effect for another year and a half, beginning at the start of the 2026-2027 school year. This project has just begun and final plans and details will be developed over the next few months. Updates will be posted here and sent to staff and students as progress is made.
 

Why does the district need balanced numbers of students at each school?

Each of our schools have certain fixed operational costs like building expenses, health office staff, front office staff, food service facilities and staff, janitorial services, and a building principal. When schools get too large, it can be difficult to manage the needs of students, families and staff with the same central services as smaller schools. When schools are too small, it is inefficient to pay for all of those same operational needs while serving fewer students. 

How will this impact class sizes?

Our district will continue to provide the number of teachers needed at each school to keep class sizes within an acceptable range. As the numbers of students in one building shifts, the numbers of teachers will shift accordingly. 

How will the new boundaries be determined?

The district has already begun extensive study of the demographics and population within our district, including projections for the future population growth or decline based on birth rates and new housing development. In addition, the district will conduct extensive mapping to determine where students currently live and where there is potential for new growth in the school-age population. That data will be used in the planning process to create and refine the final new boundaries.

Will parents and staff have input on this process?

Our district is in the process of creating a project input team that includes parents and staff from every elementary school. That team will provide feedback and help to refine the final plan in preparation for school board approval.