Board approves rezoning to open new Edith Stark elementary and relieve overcrowding at Freedom
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Summary
The board voted to rezone a small area from Freedom Elementary to the newly rebuilt Edith Stark Elementary (capacity ~650) after community meetings and a school tour; grandfathering options offered for rising fifth‑graders.
The Volusia County School Board on Jan. 13 approved changes to attendance boundaries that will move a portion of the far‑west edge of Freedom Elementary into the newly rebuilt Edith Stark Elementary School.
District staff said the new Edith Stark facility was built to serve about 650 students and includes a STEM magnet program; staff and board members described community meetings and a tour of the new building for residents and families. Officials said the rezoning area is a narrow section along Freedom’s west boundary and that rezoning responds to both current overcrowding and expected future development on Freedom’s east side.
Staff explained that rising fifth‑graders rezoned by the change have the option to remain at their current school for their final elementary year through the district’s variance/grandfathering process. The board noted that transportation and a newly opened on‑site parent pickup/drop‑off loop have been planned to limit traffic on adjacent streets.
Board member Jamie Haynes and others described positive community response after tours of the new facility, and Haynes encouraged community members to visit the school. After discussion, the board voted to approve the attendance boundary change.