Changes to Johnston Elementary Boundaries to be Explored by School Board

Boundaries for the elementary buildings within the Johnston school district will likely be revised to ease overcrowding at Beaver Creek Elementary, according to the Des Moines Register.

Superintendent Clay Guthmiller recently reviewed with school board members the planning that has been done for the proposed new high school and other facility changes. The board on June 25 should have petitions from the community calling for a to pay for construction.

School board member Julie Walter said boundaries will need to change regardless of voter approval of the referendum. The Register said six classrooms will be added onto Timber Ridge Elementary School to alleviate overcrowding at Beaver Creek Elementary, which is at capacity with 751 students.

Board member John Dutcher suggested the board look several school years out as it considers boundary options, the newspaper said.

Guthmiller said district officials want to devote a focus session solely on the school boundary issue.

Along with building a new high school, the district plans to remodel the current high school for use as an 8-9 building, renovate Johnston Middle School to house Wallace Elementary School students and repurpose Wallace for administrative use.

Total cost of all the projects is estimated at $122.3 million, the paper said.