Roanoke City Public Schools propose boundary changes to staff new Preston Park and ease overcrowding

Roanoke City Public Schools officials outlined recommended changes to elementary attendance zones at a public town hall, saying adjustments are needed so the new Preston Park Elementary School opens with appropriate enrollment and to relieve overcrowding at Monterey and other nearby schools.

"Our families are continuing to choose Roanoke City Public Schools," said Dr. White, who opened the session and framed the discussion as a multiyear planning effort. Chief Operations Officer Chris Perkins told attendees the division's goals include minimizing student movement and keeping buildings at roughly 85–90% functional capacity.

Perkins said the recommendation is the first phase of a three-phase plan running through 2031 focused on the city's north side. "We want to minimize student movement and disruption because we know that can be difficult for students and staff," Perkins said. Planners aim to limit the number of students who change schools and to preserve programming such as preschool access.

The division and its planning partner Futurethink…