School district evaluates four boundary adjustment options to enhance student walkability

In a recent meeting held by the Middletown City School District on December 11, 2024, the Board of Education discussed a comprehensive plan to modernize the elementary school experience, focusing on boundary adjustments and student assignments. The meeting highlighted four proposed options aimed at improving walkability and optimizing school assignments for students.

The first option presented would see 296 students reassigned, with 33% of students able to walk to their nearest school. Currently, 73% of students are assigned to their first closest school. This option would involve significant shifts, including moving all 355 students from Central Academy to High View and redistributing students from Amanda Elementary to Rosa Parks.

Option two proposed a similar reassignment strategy but aimed to increase the number of students attending schools closer to home. This option would move 360 students, maintaining a walkability rate of 33%. The adjustments would see students from Amanda Elementary and Mayfield reassigned to Rosa Parks and Miller Ridge, respectively.

The third option focused on maximizing walkability, increasing the percentage of students who could walk to school to 34%. However, this option would involve the most significant student movement, with 522 students affected. It would also see Central Academy move to High View, with various boundary changes impacting several schools.

Lastly, option four aimed to minimize student movement while maintaining current walkability levels. This option would only move 101 students, primarily from Mayfield to Miller Ridge, and would keep the Rosa Parks boundary unchanged. While this option would result in the highest percentage of students attending schools further from their homes, it was designed to address concerns about over-utilization at Mayfield.

The discussions underscored the district's commitment to enhancing the educational experience for elementary students while addressing logistical challenges. The Board plans to gather community feedback on these options before making a final decision. The next steps will involve presenting the options to the community for further input, ensuring that the voices of parents and stakeholders are considered in the decision-making process.