In Plymouth, school officials are taking another look at redistricting some of the elementary schools in town—this, necessary, because of population shifts in the 12 years since redistricting took place.
A previous attempt, last year, was postponed because the School Committee was unable to agree on a final map. Also, there was a high level of parental frustration about the process.
Bobbi Clark has more:
According to Superintendent of Schools Dr. Christopher Campbell, any redistricting that may occur will only potentially effect Nathanial Morton, Manomet, Indian Brook, South Elementary, Federal Furnace and West Elementary. Population shifts in the last dozen years have prompted the need to redistrict:
“We see a declining enrollment in elementary schools, and some of the schools are under-crowded, while others are over-crowded…and there’s inequity in terms of space and services available due to the facilities.”
And concerning facilities, Campbell says…
“We also did a facilities assessment of all of our schools. What we found— this is another concern of ours—is we have aging facilities, particularly at the elementary level.”
The Superintendent distributed a video, produced by the school district, and sent to all parents:
“ …to explain where we are in the process, why we need to redistrict or consider it.”
A survey was also included with the packet…
…for families to ask any questions related to redistricting that they may have.”
Campbell says this feedback from parents will be important:
“We’ll be taking that information, answering their questions on November 21st at the School Committee meeting—that whole meeting primarily is focused on redistricting.”
This meeting will be held in the cafeteria at the Plymouth Community Intermediate School and begins at 7 p.m.
