Public Hearing slated for proposed new school zone and other associated boundary changes

NISD Communications Department

September 15, 2006

NISD is growing-that is certainly not news to any of the 320 neighborhoods within the Northside School District's boundaries. As the District grows, so does the number of schools. This year, the District opened four new elementary schools.

In 2007, Jefferson Middle School and Aue and Driggers elementary schools will be added. To provide relief to overcrowded existing schools, boundary changes and adjustments will need to occur.

A Public Hearing has been scheduled to give parents a chance to review and give comment regarding the proposed boundary zone for Driggers Elementary School and some additional adjustments.

The process for boundary zone change includes the participation of a 28-member School Boundary Advisory Committee (SBAC) composed of parents from each middle school zone area. They may or may not have middle school aged children, but they must have children in the school district. The SBAC meets with representatives from the District to discuss issues revolving around a preliminary administrative boundary proposal. The SBAC hosts a public hearing to gather parents' comments and concerns, and then present a proposal to the NISD School Board.

"The initial proposal presented to the SBAC is a point from which to proceed," says Kay Franklin, Deputy Superintendent of Administration and facilitator for the SBAC. "We provide our best thinking about how to populate the new school and relieve overcrowding at schools."

"The SBAC can make any changes or adjustments that they feel are needed," Franklin continues. "But it is the elected School Board that makes the ultimate decision."

[b]Public Hearing scheduled:[/b]

[list]
[*]A Public Hearing will be held on Sept. 20 beginning at 7 pm at Pat Neff Middle School.
[*]The proposed Driggers Elementary School zone will be discussed, along with associated boundary changes for Connally and Neff middle school and Holmes, Marshall and Warren high schools.
[*]The proposed Driggers zone could affect Elrod, Leon Valley, Myers and Glenoaks elementary schools.
[*]For a list and map of potential areas affected, go to the respective school web sites.
[/list:u]

Parents can provide commentary through printed cards which can be faxed or mailed or emailed , or attend the Public Hearing.

"We want to give everyone a chance to be heard," Franklin says. "We know not everyone will be happy, but we do care about what they have to say and will work to make decisions in the best interest of the children."

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