District considers boundary changes for Prairie Queen Elementary amid community concerns

The Papillion La Vista Community Schools Board of Education convened on May 12, 2025, to discuss significant changes regarding school boundaries and their implications for students and families. The meeting focused on feedback from community forums and the internal boundary committee regarding the proposed division of Prairie Queen Elementary into two schools.

The primary concern raised by parents was the potential disruption of established friendships as students may be split between the new schools. Many expressed worries about the impact on military families, who frequently relocate and may face additional challenges if their children are required to change schools again. Logistics surrounding pick-up and drop-off for families with children attending different schools were also highlighted as a significant concern.

The board presented two boundary concepts for consideration. Concept 1 was favored by some for maintaining existing friend groups and minimizing traffic issues, while Concept 2 was appreciated for its clearer feeder patterns, ensuring that students would remain with their peers throughout their educational journey. However, feedback indicated that there was no clear consensus on which concept was preferred, with many participants indicating they could accept either option.

In response to community feedback, the board discussed several support measures for families affected by the boundary changes. These included grandfathering options for fifth and sixth graders, allowing younger siblings to remain at Prairie Queen, and providing transportation support for students crossing major roads. The board also considered the unique needs of military families, proposing to allow them to keep their children at their current schools.

The administrative recommendation following the discussions was to approve Concept 2 for the new boundaries, implement grandfathering for current fifth and sixth graders, and strongly consider grandfathering for military families. Board members expressed their support for these recommendations, emphasizing the importance of community input and the need to balance the interests of all families involved.

The board plans to vote on these recommendations in an upcoming meeting, with the aim of finalizing the changes before the next school year. Overall, the meeting underscored the board's commitment to addressing community concerns while ensuring a smooth transition for students as the district adapts to new boundaries.