FROM ONLINE FORM:
“I don’t feel like redistricting our neighborhood to Deer Creek is a good option. This would double our students’ commute time to school and would add a highly congested roundabout at Olio and Southeastern to the route.”
Buses would be routed to avoid that area and would travel north of that traffic pattern around HTC.
FROM ONLINE FORM:
“I am concerned about the safety of our community traveling to Deer Creek with the school being on other side of I69.”
All bus routes would go north of the higher traffic areas as they make their way to Deer Creek Elementary.
FROM ONLINE FORM:
“For those who live in the country, how will moving from Durbin to Deer Creek Elementary effect bus route times for students?”
Depending on your current location to Durbin Elementary, you may see little additional time added to your student’s route. This would be due in part because of the proximity of your home to Deer Creek. We are not experiencing a bus shortage that is impacting routes currently. We will continue to train and hire new staff to ensure we can offer the best service possible.
Why are we having to redefine boundary lines?
The primary reason for redefining boundary lines is the opening of Deer Creek Elementary School in fall 2022. Our district continues to experience growth and a shift in population from the west to the east. With the opening of Deer Creek, it will alleviate some of the overcrowding issues at other elementary schools and allows for future student growth within Wayne Township.
Why is this process called “redefining boundary lines” and not redistricting?
With “redefining boundary lines,” it is our hope that only a minimum number of students will be affected to fill the new school
and relieve overcrowding at others.
When will school boundary changes go into effect?
The new school boundaries will go into effect in fall 2022.
What are the goals for redefining the boundary lines?
To the greatest extent possible, we hope this will accomplish the following:
- Provide capacity at schools with the greatest potential for growth.
- Consider overall district average for the Southeastern Elementary demographic group in Wayne Township.
- Assign students to Deer Creek Elementary, opening in fall 2022.
- Consider impact on neighborhoods and subdivisions.
- Consider stability of programs and instructional learning spaces for Exceptional Learners.
- Reduce utilization of portables in the school district.
Will I get a chance to participate in redefining boundary lines?
Yes, a public meeting is being held on October 26 at 6 p.m. at Hamilton Southeastern High School. You may also submit your feedback,
here. Online submissions will close on November 1, 2021.
Are we using a consultant to help with redefining boundary lines?
We will be utilizing various in-house programs, demographic experts, and community feedback to help with redefining boundary lines as well as rely on demographic data completed during the 2019-20 school year to produce a suitable plan.
Which grade levels will be affected by redefining boundaries?
The focus of this effort will be assigning students to Deer Creek Elementary.
What is the timeline for redefining boundaries?
The School Board is expected vote on redefining boundary lines at its December 12 meeting. The updated boundary lines would go into effect for the 2022-23 school year.
Who has the final say on boundaries?
Although the public will have the opportunity to be involved in the process, only the board will vote on the final boundary plan.
What happens to students affected in this process?
Principals will ensure that every child will feel welcome in their new building. All our schools are world-class, with highly professional staff and will make the transition as seamless as possible.
What will happen to Durbin Elementary School after Deer Creek opens?
Durbin Elementary will remain a school property of Hamilton Southeastern. District leadership is evaluating various ways to utilize the building in the future.
Will students that were assigned to a different school for 2021-22 because of enrollment caps at their “home” school be allowed to stay at their current school?
No final decision has been made at this time. District administration will review school enrollment data as the process continues and update when more information is available.
Will students upcoming 4th graders impacted by the redefining boundaries process have the option to remain at their current school?
No final decision has been made at this time. District administration will review school enrollment data as the process continues and update when more information is available.