Attendance Rezoning
Who ultimately makes the final decision about rezoning?
The seven men and women elected to the Carroll ISD Board of Trustees will make final decisions with regard to attendance rezoning. Historically, however, we have shared information with the public and obtained public input prior to making final decisions.
Is this just an elementary issue?
Primarily, yes. However, attendance zone changes for neighborhoods can affect the intermediate and middle school zones as well. To ensure a feeder school system, changes that are made can affect older students and whether or not they need to be grandfathered to remain in their current feeder system. This can be a huge issue for a family because transportation is not provided as part of grandfathering provisions.
What exactly is grandfathering?
It isn't a part of policy unless the Board of Trustees agrees to grandfather students. Historically, CISD has tried to grandfather any student who is rezoned but wishes to remain in the current school and/or that school's feeder system. Transportation is not provided for students who choose to be grandfathered under old attendance zones.
How many campuses are overcrowded?
CISD has three campuses serving the southern elementary zones (Carroll Elementary, Rockenbaugh Elementary and Old Union Elementary). There are two campuses serving the northern elementary zones (Walnut Grove Elementary and Johnson Elementary). Most of our growth is now occurring in the northern zones. Both Walnut Grove and Johnson are nearing their functional capacity in the north. Carroll Elementary is reaching functional capacity in the south as well.
Will there be any changes this school year?
We are studying options, but do not propose any changes for the next school year. In fact, CISD has not yet developed attendance rezoning proposals for campuses next year either. This does remain an option, but will not be done without community input.
Has the district made a formal recommendation?
At this point, no. The Administration is currently studying a number of short- and long-term options and may have some recommendations for the Board of Trustees to consider as early as their December meeting.
When did the district last rezone elementary schools?
The last rezoning process occurred in 2011 just prior to the opening of Walnut Grove Elementary School.
Didn't you know more students were coming when Walnut Grove Elementary was built?
Yes. Although the district was aware that growth would continue slow and steady in the northern elementary zones, we are limited by funding and debt capacity. Much in the same way that you cannot always completely renovate your entire house, CISD manages growth by building facilities as they are needed. The last thing a district wants to do is overbuid and have facilities sit unused until the growth occurs.
Are portable buildings an option?
Yes. CISD could utlize portable buildings to manage student growth at various campuses, but this is a short-term solution. CISD does not manage growth long-term using portable buildings. It costs about $80,000 to set up a new classroom portable building with technology, etc. Resale after the building is no longer needed is significantly lower than the purchase price. These buildings can successfully be used to manage student growth short-term until a school bond election or building addition is possible.
What are some of the short-term solutions school districts use to manage growth?
- Review & reallocate current classroom usage
- Relocate programs to vacant classrooms or campuses
- Add portable buildings at campuses over capacity
- Restrict Transfers/Open Enrollment Policy
- Implement Temporary Rezoning
What are some of the long-term solutions school districts use to manage growth?
- Build/Open new school buildings
- Construct classroom additions at campuses over capacity
- Restructure which grade levels attend each campus
- Reconstitute existing land and building space
- Rezone