BCPS staff recommend shifting six parcels to Westchester in Holly Manor boundary study; public hearing set for April 9

BCPS staff told the Board of Education on March 25 that a boundary committee unanimously recommended shifting six parcels at the end of Beaumont Avenue from Hillcrest Elementary to Westchester Elementary to align transportation routes and improve feeder patterns.

Doctor Grimm and Paul Taylor presented the committee's report, noting the study focused on a small area that impacts six parcels—five residential and one park—and that as of the end of last school year five students lived in the area. Grimm said the study used an abbreviated process because of the limited scope, and the committee voted unanimously for the recommended option.

Staff said the change would slightly decrease Hillcrest's utilization and increase Westchester's. The presentation listed public engagement measures: two committee meetings, one public information session, online comment opportunity, live-streamed meetings and outreach to stakeholders. The board will hold a public hearing on the proposed boundary recommendation on April 9, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at Westchester Elementary School, and the board is scheduled to vote on the boundary change at its May 6, 2025 meeting.

Board members asked why the area had not been adjusted previously; staff said small or phased developments, road changes or subsequent rezoning often leave small pockets in catchment maps. One board member asked whether the anonymous online survey results could be disaggregated to identify how many responses came from directly affected households; staff said the survey was anonymous and cannot be traced to specific addresses but agreed to provide the board with the submitted comments and a direct link to the website for review.

No vote was taken on March 25; the matter will return to the board after the April 9 public hearing.