The District 49 Board of Education meeting on September 24, 2025, focused on a bold proposal for district expansion, particularly addressing challenges and opportunities within the Falcon Zone. Superintendent Brian Smith outlined the district's current situation, highlighting declining enrollment and budget constraints, particularly at Falcon Elementary and Bennett Ranch Elementary, which are facing larger class sizes and limited resources.

Smith noted that the Falcon Zone has not seen the same growth as other areas, attributing this to high living costs and a decrease in birth rates. The introduction of a new K-8 charter school, the Marzano school, is expected to further impact enrollment as it will provide additional choices for families in the area. The board discussed the implications of this competition and the need to enhance the district's offerings to retain students.

To address these challenges, the proposal includes relocating Falcon Elementary and Bennett Ranch Elementary into the Bennett Ranch facility, which has the capacity to accommodate both schools. This move aims to optimize resources and maintain the community's connection to these schools while planning for a new pre-K through 8 school on the eastern edge of the district. The transition is intended to be temporary, with the goal of eventually establishing a dedicated facility that meets the needs of the growing community.

The board also discussed the potential sale of district properties along the Woodman Corridor, which could provide funding for the new school project. The intent is to reserve these funds specifically for the pre-K through 8 school, rather than using them to address ongoing budget deficits. This approach aims to ensure fiscal responsibility while planning for the future growth of the district.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the district's proactive strategy to adapt to changing demographics and educational needs, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong community ties and providing quality educational options for families in the Falcon Zone. The board's next steps will involve further discussions on logistics and community engagement as they move forward with these plans.