School Board proposes redistricting to address enrollment imbalances in local elementary schools

The Perrysburg Exempted Village School Board convened a special meeting on December 12, 2024, to address pressing issues related to student enrollment and school boundaries. As the district continues to grow, officials highlighted a significant imbalance in enrollment across elementary schools, prompting discussions on potential redistricting to enhance efficiency and manage resources effectively.

During the meeting, it was noted that the current enrollment model is inefficient, with some schools, such as Woodland, housing significantly more students than others like Toth. This disparity has led to a de facto redistricting process as new subdivisions are developed, forcing the district to transfer students to schools with available space. The board emphasized that without intervention, schools like Fort Meigs and Woodland could exceed their capacity, resulting in further complications for student placement.

The proposed redistricting aims to balance enrollment across schools, which would not only improve the distribution of students but also streamline bus routes and reduce transportation costs. By potentially consolidating routes, the district could save approximately $100,000 annually, while also delaying the need for additional trailers to accommodate growing student numbers.

The board plans to refine redistricting options in early 2025, with community feedback sessions scheduled to gather input from families. The goal is to present a recommended plan at the February board meeting, ideally implementing changes by March, coinciding with the kindergarten registration period.

Overall, the discussions at the meeting underscore the district's proactive approach to managing growth and ensuring that all students have access to adequate educational resources. As the community continues to expand, the board's efforts to address these challenges will be crucial in maintaining a balanced and efficient school system.