AACPS outlines Phase 2 redistricting plan, releases interactive mapping tool Feb. 1

Anne Arundel County Public Schools staff on a workshop presentation described Phase 2 of a districtwide comprehensive redistricting effort that would redraw attendance boundaries in the Annapolis, Arundel, Broadneck, Crofton, Severna Park, South River and Southern clusters and set a public-comment timeline beginning Feb. 1, 2025.

The superintendent said the work is difficult but necessary. "This is probably the 1 of the top 2 least enjoyable parts of my job," Dr. Christina Bedell said, adding the district must redistrict because of sustained growth and new schools. Chief Operating Officer Bill Heizer and Director of Facilities Kyle Roof gave the board an overview of the planning documents, enrollment projections and the schedule for public engagement.

The nut of the proposal is to balance seats, make more efficient use of existing buildings and strengthen the district's case for capital funding. Heizer and Roof said their recommendations are guided by three planning documents — the long-range study, the Educational Facilities Master Plan (EFMP) and the Comprehensive Maintenance Plan (CMP) — and by state and local policy requirements. Roof cited the Education Article (Section 4-109) as authorizing local school systems to set geographic school…