5K Students To Move In Redistricting Plan Adopted By HoCo Schools

COLUMBIA, MD — Thousands of Howard County Public School System students will be forced to attend a new school next year. The county board of education voted Nov. 21 to change school attendance areas for the 2020-2021 school year in the hopes of relieving crowded schools, better balancing capacity across the district and redistributing students "affected by poverty." Knowing that there would be backlash against this decision, school district Superintendent Michael Martirano encouraged parents to set a good example for their students and respond favorably to the decision.

"Regardless of your personal feelings about the outcome, please keep in mind that our children will take their cues from parents and other adults in how they react to these changes. By modeling an optimistic outlook, you will help them adjust positively to a new school and new classmates. We now shift our focus to the next phase of the process: ensuring a smooth transition next year for you and your child. Plans are already in place to support students who will move to a new school, and for schools who will welcome new students," said Martirano in a statement.

The decision to redistrict school boundaries follows a lengthy process rife with upset parents, along with proponents of the plan. There were community meetings, public hearings and other opportunities for people to express their opinion. When the redistricting plan takes effect for the 2020-2021 school year, 5,402 students will be moved to a new school, including:

• 2,827 at the elementary school level,
• 568 at the middle school level, and
• 2,007 at the high school level.

Fifty-one schools will be within the 90–110 percent target capacity utilization as defined by board policy, compared with 42 currently, and many of the most highly-impacted schools will see significant relief. The redistricting decision also addresses the proportion of students receiving Free and Reduced Meals (FARMs) program services.

• 33 total schools above the countywide average of 22.5 percent will see an overall decrease in their FARMs percentage as a result of these moves.
• 13 of these 33 schools will experience a 5-22 percentage point decrease in their FARMs rate.
• The FARMS percentage for four schools below the countywide average will increase by a minimum of 8 percentage points, putting them closer to the countywide average.

However, one point of contention for parents is that many students will have to endure longer bus rides— an average of three extra miles round trip. Willie Flowers, president of the Howard County branch of the NAACP, told The Washington Post that the approved plan "seems to be a comprise."

“Nobody is happy on either side. Hopefully, there will be value for the students long-term, and I’m hopeful the school capacity issue will be minimized," said Flowers.

Parent Lincoln Tran posted on the HCPSS Facebook page that his kids will be bused to a different school when they are instead within walking distance to their current one.

"Proposed and voted on within nine days without giving our community a fair chance to petition against. The board knows the 132/2132/1132 move was poorly planned and decided for it anyway," Tran wrote.

Parent Sarah Topus Roogow said the plan splits her neighborhood into several pieces.

"There’s even a street that they cut it half where the top of the street goes to one high school and the bottom of the street goes to another. Clearly NO thought or consideration was taken," Roogow posted.

Ashleigh Roberts posted that parents need to face the facts that the change is inevitable and look instead toward helping the students make the switch.

"The decision has been made. Why don’t we all figure out ways to support our children through this transition. Whether it’s showing them how to welcome new students or preparing them for exiting their current school. No need to dwell," she wrote.

HCPSS staff have already started preparing for the transition. During the next several months, system and school leaders will plan for staffing reallocations and other necessary adjustments, acclimate students and families transitioning to a new school community, and prepare to accommodate student needs.

"This decision is on a scope far beyond any previous redistricting efforts and represents a significant course correction for our system, both in terms of school capacity utilization and in fulfilling the values for equity embodied in our strategic call to action. Many of our schools have remained overcrowded for nearly 10 years, and last night’s board action is a major step forward in addressing imbalances among our schools," said Martirano.

The superintendent noted that it simply wasn't possible to create a plan that made everyone happy.

"Please be assured that each decision was made with the goal of giving all students full and equitable access to educational opportunities and supports. I realize this process has been very stressful for many families, and I appreciate and share your concern for your child’s well-being. I can assure you that every child in our system will continue to have access to a high quality education, excellent teachers, individualized services, and equitable learning and enrichment opportunities."

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said Nov. 22 that he opted to stay out of the redistricting process, but now that the plan has been approved, he hoped everyone would rally together for the sake of the students.

"It is now time for us to begin the healing process and start coming together as a county. Moving forward, it is my hope that we continue to share a common goal - to provide all our students the best public education possible and foster the best teaching environment for our educators," said Ball in a statement.