JOPLIN, MO.--- Neal Smith has a daughter in 5th grade. According to a proposed redistricting plan, she will have to attend a different middle school next year. Smith is one of several parents who voiced his opinion on redistricting to the school board. Administrators say they are considering all feedback but a big change has to be made.
"I don't think anybody disputes that redistricting has to occur in our district. We have two brand new elementary schools that are going to be coming online in different locations than they were previously," Dr. C.J. Huff, Joplin Superintendent.
School leaders are hoping to restore the balance of students per building, after the 2011 tornado destroyed several schools and forced families to move to different parts of the city, causing some schools to become overcrowded.
"Nobody wants to see trailers going up in the back yards of schools and we're to the point now where we're going to have to start looking at that for several facilities, including South Middle School if the growth continues there like it has been," says Dr. Huff.
Smith says he is trying to keep emotions out of the situation, but he wants school officials to not rush into redistricting so quickly.
"Some change is necessary with life and some isn't. I just want to make sure that we're making sure our kids are in a healthy environment where people are not having to up route all the time, over and over again, year after year," states Neal Smith, Parent.
According to the plan, elementary students will not be forced to change schools, but busing will only be provided to those who attend their designated school. For middle school students, 6th and 7th graders this year will be able to stay at their current location.
However, 5th graders must attend their new designated school. Board members will make a final decision on the redistricting plan at a meeting on Tuesday, February 26th. If approved, the change will go into affect in the fall.
"I don't think anybody disputes that redistricting has to occur in our district. We have two brand new elementary schools that are going to be coming online in different locations than they were previously," Dr. C.J. Huff, Joplin Superintendent.
School leaders are hoping to restore the balance of students per building, after the 2011 tornado destroyed several schools and forced families to move to different parts of the city, causing some schools to become overcrowded.
"Nobody wants to see trailers going up in the back yards of schools and we're to the point now where we're going to have to start looking at that for several facilities, including South Middle School if the growth continues there like it has been," says Dr. Huff.
Smith says he is trying to keep emotions out of the situation, but he wants school officials to not rush into redistricting so quickly.
"Some change is necessary with life and some isn't. I just want to make sure that we're making sure our kids are in a healthy environment where people are not having to up route all the time, over and over again, year after year," states Neal Smith, Parent.
According to the plan, elementary students will not be forced to change schools, but busing will only be provided to those who attend their designated school. For middle school students, 6th and 7th graders this year will be able to stay at their current location.
However, 5th graders must attend their new designated school. Board members will make a final decision on the redistricting plan at a meeting on Tuesday, February 26th. If approved, the change will go into affect in the fall.
