Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools Superintendent Allen Bourff told school board members Wednesday night that his “preferred” grades K-8 redistricting plan is the recommendation he is making to the board and he will not change that recommended map. It is now up to the HSE School Board to decide what to do about drawing new district lines for the HSE Schools, because the board has the final say.
I was unable to attend the Wednesday session, but spoke to people in attendance. There were 25 people that addressed the board, with all but one critical of the “preferred” redistricting plan.
Some parents pointed to the emphasis the school corporation has put on mental health, arguing their child will have mental health issues as a result of the change in schools. The distance between home and the new school, compared to the school their child is now attending, will increase, many parents asserted.
Of the 25 addressing the school board on redistricting, one complimented school officials for coming up with this map.
The major question is where the board goes from here after listening to all these comments. Since Dr. Bourff has said this is his final recommendation, it is now up to the board to come up with any changes, if there are changes.
There was a proposal made to hold a board work session at 6:30am Thursday, December 6th, but Board President Matt Burke says there is no guarantee that meeting will be held. It appears this is the only opportunity board members will have to change the redistricting “preferred” plan before a final decision is made a the December 12th regular school board session.
Burke says it is important that the community know before the December 12th meeting about any changes the board may be contemplating.
The bottom line is this: There will be a vote on redistricting December 12th, and it will take at least four school board votes to enact any grades K-8 redistricting plan.
To view the interactive map illustrating the “preferred” redistricting plan recommended by Superintendent Bourff, use this link.