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Committee approves small redistricting; 12 ABECC children reassigned to Thompson
Summary
The School Committee approved a permanent redistricting of border streets that transfers 12 children currently at the ABECC to Thompson School for first grade. The change is intended to balance class sizes and applies until Kittredge opens and district-wide boundary work resumes.
The North Andover School Committee voted 4-0 on May 21 to adopt a superintendent-recommended redistricting of certain border streets that will send 12 children currently enrolled in the ABECC program to Thompson School when they enter first grade.
Superintendent Pam Lathrop said the administration had identified 12 families who met the district's selection criteria for the boundary change (neighborhood borders, no older siblings at Atkinson and class-size balancing) and that staff had notified those families with an opportunity to respond. Lathrop said a map showing the affected streets (including parts of Chickering Road, East Water Street, Elm Street, portions of Pleasant Street, Walker Road and Water Street) was prepared and that she had not received objections.
The committee approved the redistricting as presented. Administration noted the change is described as permanent and will remain in effect until future district-wide boundary changes, such as those associated with Kittredge School's opening, are undertaken. Families who disagree with assignment were reminded of the district's out-of-neighborhood/out-of-district request processes.
Committee members said they appreciated the superintendent's proactive outreach to families and confirmed that Thompson staff had been informed about the incoming students. The administration said it would ensure school staff were aware and make necessary classroom assignments to balance class size.
