Kuna trustees approve boundary changes amid parent objections over student disruptions

The Kuna Joint District Board of Trustees voted to approve a package of elementary school boundary changes intended to relieve overcrowding by shifting portions of Silver Trail’s attendance area to Hubbard and Ross and by moving two neighborhoods from Reed to Hubbard/Ross.

District staff said the proposal was based on three criteria (safety, proximity and numbers) and intended to move a small number of students in the targeted neighborhoods; staff also flagged a short sidewalk gap on Lindner Road and said they are discussing options with the Ada County Highway District and the district’s transportation director.

Assistant Superintendent Jason Reddy and Director Kevin Gifford presented the map and demographic analysis. Gifford said the section proposed to move from Silver Trail to Hubbard and Ross would “target about a 25 students split between Silver Trail and Reed” and noted that newer developments (Legstone, Lugano, Terra and Ashton Estates) supply most of the student counts in that area.

Parents at the meeting urged the board to consider individual impacts. Andre Noso, a parent, said his nonverbal 7‑year‑old has made significant gains at Silver Trail and that moving schools would be “a blessing” lost to his family — “they made us feel welcome, like family.” Kayla Watson, another parent who filed a written letter with the board, said communications about the proposed boundary changes had been “incredibly and intentionally vague” and said she fears being “forced out” of the school where her child is comfortable.

Board members and administrators discussed accommodations for affected families. Staff noted that district open‑enrollment and hardship processes remain in place, and that students who meet McKinney‑Vento definitions for homelessness or double‑up housing may remain at their current school under federal law. Administrators also encouraged parents to take school tours and meet staff; trustees said one‑on‑one conversations could help determine whether a specific student should remain at their current school.

Trustees discussed timing and impact minimization; several voiced sympathy for parents’ concerns while stressing the district’s obligation to reduce overcrowding and use available classroom space efficiently. Trustee comments noted there will be parents unhappy with any boundary change and emphasized that the board considered proximity to schools and minimized changes to other attendance zones.

Motion and vote: A trustee moved to approve the rezoning boundary changes and the motion passed, with recorded “aye” votes from trustees identified in the meeting as Kirsty, Michael, JD, Hillary and the presiding chair.

District staff said the boundaries will be implemented for the next school year and that transportation or busing decisions related to safety (including sidewalk gaps) will be coordinated with ACHD and the district transportation director. The board directed staff to continue individual outreach and to confirm safe routes before students are moved.

What’s next: Staff said maps and details will be posted and that parents should contact school administrators and counselors to discuss hardship or McKinney‑Vento eligibility. The board did not adopt a grandfathering rule at the meeting; staff said individual exceptions can be considered under existing processes.