Talk of Meade Redistricting Continues

The second Fort Meade school redistricting meeting began with a noticeable difference in demeanor. Since the intricate rules governing the committee were covered last week, this week's meeting was the first chance committee members had to hear public testimony.

But with roughly half of the 30 chairs occupied, the size of the audience didn't elicit a great deal of public input.

With committee members now stationed in a series of long tables that faced the audience, the meeting emanated a more serious tone. Committee members began the night by nominating a chairperson and recording secretary.

Tempie Salisbury, representing West Meade Elementary, was named Chairperson of the redistricting committee, while Joanna Bradshaw, of Pershing Hill Elementary, was nominated to be the committee's recording secretary.

Salisbury will preside over all committee meetings and Bradshaw will be responsible for taking minutes of the meetings. 

Once the elections were finalized, the committee began to discuss a few of the possible options for redistricting that were suggested by county officials at last week's meeting.

Chuck Yocum, a specialist in student demographic planning for Anne Arundel County, brought a series of updated capacity numbers to this week's meeting to highlight how each option would shape the enrollment numbers of each school.

The first option discussed involves transitioning West Meade Elementary into an Early Childhood Center. Under this plan, all early childhood students (pre-k and kindergarten), with the exception of those at Meade Heights Elementary, would attend the new West Meade Early Childhood Center.

This plan would alleviate some of the current capacity problems, however, it would still leave some inadequacies in enrollment.

According to numbers provided by Yocum, this option would bring Manor View to an estimated operating capacity of 106 percent in 2015, which is 36 percent lower than the current predicted capacity for the 2015 school year. Manor View's capacity could be lowered even further in 2013, when the school will be considered for capital budget projects, like expansions or renovations.

Creating a West Meade Early Childhood Center would also put the new Pershing Hill Elementary, which is opening next year, at a modest capacity of 80 percent in 2015.

The only sour aspect of this plan is the underutilization of Meade Heights Elementary, which is predicted to operate at only 65 percent of capacity in 2015. However, Yocum explained that this number might be a little deceptive.

Meade Heights' capacity is likely to rise above 65 percent in the coming years, due to a new home development being built in the school's district, according to Yocum.

"I expect that number [65 percent capacity] to rise in the coming years as the homes in the development are sold and filled," said Yocum to a member of the audience.

There was, however, some skepticism and worry from a parent in the audience, who currently has two children in the school system. If this plan was enacted, her daughter, who is currently in pre-k, would attend the new West Meade Early Childhood Center next year, then would have to change schools again once she enters first grade.

"Transition is hard enough for a child, and going through three schools in three years just worries me," said the parent.

With many questions and worries still at the heart of the debate, the committee has three more meetings before issuing a proposal to Superintendent Kevin Maxwell, who would then submit a recommendation to the school board. Redistricting proposals could also come from the public, staff or school administration.

"I'm looking at what's the easiest way to pull a chunk [of residents] out with the least effect on students," said Bradshaw, the committee's secretary.

Next week's meeting will be held on Oct. 12 at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria of Meade Heights Elementary.