Osseo district sets public-feedback timeline for attendance-boundary changes

District staff presented the plan and public-engagement timeline for proposed elementary and middle school attendance-boundary changes at the ISD 279 work session on Nov. 12. The presentation said staff are developing scenario options through December, will host community feedback sessions on Jan. 15 and Jan. 23 and aim to announce final boundaries at the end of the school year so changes can take effect in fall 2026.

"We will then review that feedback and then make adjustments potentially from that," said the presenter during the briefing. Staff described a fall thought-exchange that attracted about 3,000 participants, including roughly 1,500 "dots" and 36,000 ratings, and said 22% of responses were received in Spanish. The district posted information and FAQs at district279.org/boundaries and encouraged residents to attend January sessions; staff said January feedback will request addresses so the district can map participation geographically.

Board members asked practical questions about transportation circles and eligibility. Staff clarified that the district draws a concentric circle around each school to set walk-ineligibility (0.8 mile for elementary, 1.0 mile for secondary) and noted state statute allows up to 2 miles. The presenters emphasized their community-built parameters include minimizing disruption, preserving neighborhoods and complying with state law, negotiated agreements and the board'established class-size targets.