The rezoning process at Frisco ISD continued Nov. 11 with parents voicing their opinions on rezoning three high schools to accommodate Independence High School and the release of proposed zones to accommodate the opening of four elementary schools in 2014.
High school rezoning
More than two dozen students and parents spoke about high school rezoning, many of them from the Cypress Creek neighborhood that is proposed to be split between Centennial and Independence districts.
The main concerns voiced were about students having to travel farther to Independence than their current high school and the dangers of students crossing Main Street because of the changed zones.
Parents and students also voiced concerns about juniors being forced to make transitions later in their high school careers, students losing friends and familiar teachers and programs, families being split into different high schools, students losing a sense of school pride and not having the same opportunities as at existing schools.
Parents and students asked for the right to choose whether or not to change schools.
"Choice is better than saying you have to go," one parent said.
The board is expected to make a decision on high school zoning at the December meeting.
"We understand each of these numbers represents a child," said Board President Renee Ehmke. This is a very emotional decision for us as well. This is important to us, and we want you to know that."
Elementary rezoning
The board on also had the opportunity to see and discuss the proposed elementary zones.
The zones can be found on the Frisco ISD website at: www.friscoisd.org/docs/default-source/attendance-zones/elementary-zoning-presentation_111113.pdf?Status=Temp&sfvrsn=2
In northwest Frisco, Phillips, Robertson, Pink and Carroll will be relieved by Newman Elementary School.
In southwest Frisco, Nichols and Bledsoe will be relieved by an unnamed elementary.
In far northeast Frisco, Scott Elementary will relieve Sonntag, Mooneyham and Ashley elementaries.
In southeast Frisco, Curtsinger and Isbell will be relieved by McSpedden.
In North Frisco, district officials will also discuss sending about 100 Tadlock Elementary students to Sem Elementary in order to relieve crowding at Tadlock.
Trustee John Hoxie said when elementary schools begin to be crowded, the learning environment, from classroom to cafeteria to bathroom space is not conducive for children.
"It's better to get these schools, the population, as close to or under 760 as possible," Hoxie said. "That's the educational experience we are looking for."
Parents and students will have an opportunity to weigh in on the proposed boundaries at the December meeting. The board is expected to make a final decision on elementary school boundaries in January.
