Board considers making Johnny Ford a dedicated magnet; staff says residents still have neighborhood options
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Summary
The board opened a public hearing on converting Johnny Ford to a dedicated magnet (currently a Montessori program with a boundary). Staff said the proposed change would make Johnny Ford a true magnet while creating a clear attendance boundary for nearby students; students living in the prior attendance area would retain priority access.
The board held a public hearing on a proposal to change Johnny Ford from a quasi‑magnet (a Montessori program with an attendance boundary) to a dedicated magnet program and to set a clear attendance boundary for nearby students.
Vice chair Carney and other board members asked whether the change originated with parents or administration and whether converting to a dedicated magnet would reduce neighborhood access. A district staff member explained Johnny Ford currently operates as a "quasi magnet": it is a Montessori program that accepts both boundary students and choice applicants. The proposal would clarify Johnny Ford as a dedicated magnet while establishing a separate attendance boundary for other nearby students so those children would be zoned to a neighborhood school and not delayed in enrollment when Montessori seats are unavailable.
Staff said students who live inside the former attendance boundary would retain priority if they apply to Johnny Ford; parents in the affected neighborhood would still have other choice options if they prefer. "Students who reside in the former attendance boundaries still will maintain that priority if they choose to go to Johnny Ford," a staff member said.
Board members asked about continuity through grade levels, capacity and the difficulty of finding certified Montessori teachers. Staff said Johnny Ford is presently configured as a K–8 program but that expansion of Montessori through middle grades would require planning and resources; they also noted Montessori teacher training is specialized and can limit immediate class-size control.
Staff agreed to clarify the item language so it expressly records that neighborhood residents in the former boundary will retain priority and that the change is intended to reduce enrollment delays and provide clearer options for families.
No final policy vote took place at the hearing; staff said they would return with recommended language and additional background materials.