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District outlines rezoning timetable and strategic-plan milestones; new elementary zones effective July 1, 2026
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Ross and staff walked the board through the rezoning process, enrollment projections and a calendar of meetings and decisions that aim to have new elementary attendance zones take effect July 1, 2026.
Superintendent Dr. Ross briefed the School District 5 board on March 10 on a multi-step rezoning and strategic-plan schedule intended to have new elementary attendance zones in effect on July 1, 2026.
Dr. Ross said the district is moving toward a new structure with elementary schools serving pre-K–5, a reduced number of middle schools and more intermediate schools for grades 6–8. "Our goal is restructuring, especially, the middle levels," he said, and added the changes are designed to reduce the number of student transitions.
Student enrollment projections completed by Chief of Student Services and Planning Dr. Mike Harris will drive the boundary work. Dr. Harris said his office has prepared best-case enrollment scenarios based on trend data and past parent choice decisions. Those projections will guide grade-structure adjustments, program placement and occupancy modeling.
Dr. Ross described a sequence of director-level planning meetings (the "director's cut") followed by a March 25 discussion of programs, an April staffing modeling step, May collection of teacher site preferences after contracts are signed, and January notifications to staff about assignments. He said principals and teachers will have opportunities to provide input and that Human Resources will align the process with the district’s regular transfer windows.
The superintendent emphasized the need for contingencies and careful sequencing: occupancy and equipment must match program decisions; staffing models will drive equipment and supply needs; and district leaders hope to present first readings of budget and capital plans in May with final readings in June to align with the fiscal year.
Dr. Harris said high-school rezoning impact is expected to be minimal and the district has an online tool that lets parents check how a new zone would affect a particular address.
The board asked clarifying questions about contingency plans if buildings are not ready. Administration said completing Irmo High School is a top priority because the vacated wing would provide swing space if other construction timelines slip.
The administration framed this as an aggressive timeline but said it is actionable with the planned meetings, staffing modeling and parent notifications.
