After three public hearings, Humble ISD approved an attendance boundary that includes flex zones for Elementary School No. 28 at a February board of trustees meeting.

The new school is located within the Atascocita-area neighborhood The Groves and will open for the 2017-18 school year.

Students within the flex zones will have the option to attend the school they are zoned to or Elementary School No. 28 in the 2017-18 school year. Bus transportation will be provided to both schools.

The new boundaries will affect students currently zoned to Atascocita Springs, Eagle Springs and Lakeshore elementary schools.

“I think we’ve learned a lot through this process, especially in the administration,” board President Keith Lapeze said. “I don’t think anyone is happy with the way this process turned out. Nonetheless, this school needs to open.”

The flex zones were developed after parents from the affected communities expressed concerns over neighborhoods being split by the new boundaries.

While Atascocita Springs is over capacity by more than 200 students, Eagle Springs is nearly 100 students over capacity, according to the district. After the new school opens, Atascocita Springs and Eagle Springs are expected to be under capacity again. The new school is expected to be at 50 percent capacity with 538 students next year, according to HISD.

The new zones were approved with a 5-2 vote, with trustees Robert Sitton and Nancy Morrison voting against it.

“Boundaries are very difficult,” Sitton said. “You’re not going to please everyone. It’s unfortunate that we’re here at this late date, because [Principal] Brian Peters is trying to create a culture with no boundaries.”