Facility advisory committee proposes boundary changes, board schedules public hearing Sept. 18

Derek Baer, executive director of elementary schools, and other staff presented the Facility Advisory Committee’s boundary recommendations to the Board of Education on Sept. 4, proposing a set of elementary-boundary changes and recommending that middle and high school boundaries remain aligned to preserve feeder patterns.

Why it matters: the recommended changes shift some neighborhoods between nearby elementary schools to address projected growth, safety of walking routes and bus efficiency; any change affects which school children will attend and can alter transportation arrangements.

The committee’s principles were to maximize facilities for students, keep neighborhoods intact when feasible, anticipate future growth, be fiscally responsible and seek data‑informed solutions. Key recommendations included shifting some areas near Main Street in Smithfield from Summit to Sunrise to reduce students walking across a busy roadway; moving certain bussed neighborhoods between River Heights and Providence to account for the district’s dual-language immersion (DLI) program and anticipated density; and reassigning a small “island” of parcels currently bussed to Millville into Heritage and neighboring attendance areas to optimize bus routes and capacity.

Staff said the survey yielded about 340 total responses districtwide and that most comments were positive or constructive; the highest volume of concern was on the south end of the district where growth is most active. Board members asked for additional outreach on a small group of roughly 12 students near 300 North and Meridian Road who would move from one attendance boundary to another. Staff agreed to contact those families directly and report back to the board.

Process and next steps: John (staff) told the board that, “By statute, we have to give the opportunity for the public to come in and voice if they choose,” and recommended posting notice Monday for a public hearing scheduled for Sept. 18 at 5:30 p.m. The board will hold the hearing and then consider approval at the October business meeting; staff emphasized the advisory committee will continue annual reviews and can revisit boundaries as growth warrants.

Discussion versus direction versus decision: the board received the committee’s recommendations and provided direction to notify the public and hold the statutory hearing; no boundary changes were approved at the Sept. 4 meeting.

Ending: Board members generally praised the committee’s thoroughness and urged staff to continue monitoring growth and reassess boundaries annually. Staff will publish hearing notice, hold the Sept. 18 hearing and return to the board for potential action in October.