Board reviews proposal to consolidate Bethune and West Riviera attendance zones

Jason Link, manager of school enrollment and demographics for the Palm Beach County School District, presented the district's 2026–27 boundary proposal at the board workshop, saying the plan "is projected to better utilize student capacity at all three schools over the next five years." The proposal would consolidate Mary McLeod Bethune and West Riviera into a single attendance zone (West Riviera serving pre‑K–2 and Bethune serving grades 3–5), rezone a portion north of Blue Heron Boulevard to Washington Elementary, and repurpose Lincoln Elementary for Inlet Grove middle and high school programs.

The district identified four elementary schools affected by the rezoning: Mary McLeod Bethune, Lincoln, Washington and West Rivera. Link said the changes aim to improve capacity utilization and reduce travel distances for students moving between schools. He noted the district offers options for current fourth graders to remain through grade transitions and that transportation for optional placements traditionally rests with families.

Board members heard that the district advisory committee (ADC) met with the community on Dec. 18 and voted unanimously, 11–0, to recommend Study RR‑1 to the superintendent; during public comment the committee heard a request for continued communication of the plan to the wider community. Joseph Sanches led the boundary portion of the workshop and confirmed staff will provide the board with the map and demographic tables used in the presentation.

Board member Edward Ferguson asked whether an underused facility could be claimed by a charter operator if Inlet Grove moves into Lincoln; staff said they did not believe current law automatically allows a charter to take district space in that circumstance and pledged to confirm the legal specifics. "We'll confirm it," Sanches said, adding the district would check applicable statutes and leasing or co‑location rules.

The board was told the next step will be consideration of the proposed boundary changes at first reading later that night, followed by a future meeting for final adoption. The district emphasized continued community outreach and scheduled advisory committee follow‑ups; staff also promised to provide clearer maps and explanations for parents about sibling options and transport responsibilities.

The board took no final adoption action during the workshop; the ADC recommendation and first reading were presented as the next procedural steps.