MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. – A plan to ease overcrowding in Montgomery County excessive faculties has some dad and mom involved their youngsters may quickly be rezoned.
On June 4, Montgomery County Public Faculties (MCPS) hosted a public assembly to evaluate 4 proposed boundary choices geared toward balancing enrollment and getting ready for the opening of recent amenities.
At the moment, 12 of the 25 MCPS excessive faculties are overcrowded. As a method to alleviate this difficulty, there are plans to open a brand-new Crown Excessive Faculty, reopen Woodward Excessive Faculty, and develop Damascus Excessive Faculty. Mixed, these initiatives are anticipated to create practically 3,000 new scholar seats.
The breakdown:
As district officers redraw boundary strains, they’re contemplating 4 foremost standards:
- Geography, to maintain college students in faculties near residence;
- Utilization, to stop overcrowding and evenly distribute enrollment;
- Stability, to keep away from shifting college students greater than as soon as throughout their college years;
- And Demographics, to keep up range and equitable entry.
On the assembly, MCPS officers offered 4 preliminary choices and emphasised that they’re in search of public suggestions earlier than making any ultimate selections. A suggestion to the Board of Training is anticipated within the fall.
“It’s going to have an effect on households — we perceive that,” stated Adnan Mamoon from the Division of Amenities Administration. “The concept behind doing this initiative this manner is to get that suggestions from the general public, so we are able to return and refine these choices.”
Whereas many dad and mom acknowledged the necessity for long-term options, a number of voiced frustration with the rezoning course of and its potential results on their households and communities.
What they’re saying:
“After I heard the assembly, it felt like we have been speaking about allocating widgets to be manufactured in several factories in essentially the most environment friendly manner,” stated Andrea Menotti. “Not about constructing a neighborhood that helps our kids. So, that was unhappy to me, that that wasn’t extra of a precedence.”
Juliana Richmond stated her household could also be compelled to maneuver as a result of modifications.
“Once we purchased the property, it was in an excellent highschool zone. If that modifications, we might need to promote and transfer to a greater district,” she advised FOX 5.
One other dad or mum, Edward Hudgins, warned of deeper neighborhood impacts.
“A few of these choices may destroy the ethical, social, and cultural infrastructure that retains communities secure and related. That’s one among my largest issues,” he stated.
What’s subsequent:
MCPS emphasised that the method remains to be in its early levels. Officers will proceed to gather suggestions and information earlier than refining the choices. New boundaries are anticipated to enter impact when Crown Excessive Faculty opens in 2027.
