Newly-formed Task Force to look at school overcrowding

Changes to some school boundaries might be proposed

September 16, 2004 - The Renton School District has formed a Boundary Review Task Force to look at areas of the district where increases in student populations are causing overcrowding at certain schools.

The 17-member task force, which includes nine parents and eight district personnel, will study problem areas and growth trends and offer recommendations to easing overcrowding at some schools. Those recommendations likely could include boundary changes for some schools.

School Board members agreed that any decision to change school boundaries must be driven by the needs of students and should:

• Provide balanced and equitable schools.
• Maintain integrity of instructional programs.
• Maintain, to the greatest degree possible, the concept of neighborhood schools.
• Maintain, to the greatest extent possible, a feeder school system.

Some parents and community members have heard rumors that decisions on boundary changes have been made and soon will be implemented.

Not so, says Louis Pappas, chair of the task force. "The Boundary Review Task Force has met only once, and no decisions on any changes have been made," said Pappas. "This is a process that will take many meetings over several months. The parents and staff members on the task force understand the desire of families to attend neighborhood schools and the impact any boundary change might have on a family. We're dedicated to keeping the community well-informed of discussions that come of those meetings."

The district, after each meeting, will place meeting highlights on the Website at www.renton.wednet.edu . Meeting highlights also will be placed in monthly school newsletters. Parents on the task force will have information flyers to pas out to others in their neighborhood who are interested in following the task forces' progress. Media also will be used to inform parents and community members of the task force's discussions.

Community forums are planned to offer findings on Nov. 3, 7 to 9 p.m. at Dimmitt Middle School; Nov. 4, 7 to 9 p.m. at McKnight Middle School; and Nov. 9, 7 to 9 p.m. at Nelsen Middle School .

A presentation to school board members on task force findings and recommendations is scheduled for Dec. 15, 7 p.m. at the district office, 300 SW 7th Street, Renton.