Jefferson County board approves Echo Trail boundary change amid parent protests
Jefferson County Board of Education · November 19, 2025
Summary
The Jefferson County Board of Education approved a boundary adjustment to reduce overcrowding at Echo Trail Middle School despite parents’ objections about process and transparency; the board said the change relieves immediate capacity pressure and will be followed by a comprehensive review in 2028–29.
The Jefferson County Board of Education voted Nov. 18 to approve a boundary adjustment intended to relieve severe overcrowding at Echo Trail Middle School.
Board operations staff told members Echo Trail is operating at roughly 117% of optimal capacity and could reach about 133% next year if no action is taken. Officials said the change shifts students to under-capacity Crosby Middle School (about 75% utilization) and minimizes feeder-pattern disruptions that would come from other options.
Parents who spoke during public comment urged the board to reject the proposal. "A vote yes encourages noncompliance and policy negligence," one parent told the board, alleging a lack of public meetings, "clandestine group meetings" and insufficient time for families to respond. Another parent called the plan a temporary "patch" and asked the board to order a 30-day emergency review and an independent investigation into the district's decision-making.
Operations staff and the chief of schools defended the plan as the best immediate fix. The operations presentation said alternative scenarios would either move overcrowding to Crosby or create complex feeder splits. The chief of schools said the recommendation followed multiple collaborative reviews with an outside consultant and school leaders.
Board members acknowledged families’ frustration, and staff said the district will start a comprehensive boundary review in the 2028–29 school year, when a single student assignment plan will be in effect. Officials also said the district will work to clarify sibling-transfer and grandfathering policies; staff said siblings typically are grandfathered to ride with older siblings until ninth grade, after which transportation would not be provided.
On the motion to approve the consent calendar item covering the boundary adjustments, Mr. Craig moved and Mr. Everett seconded; the board voted in favor. The vote was taken as part of the consent calendar approval at the end of the Nov. 18 meeting.
The board chair asked the policy committee to prepare a formal policy on how the district will undertake future boundary changes so families have clearer notice and consistent processes.
The board adjourned at 7:41 p.m.
