Saturday, June 21, 2008

New Attendance Boundaries for Elementary Schools

Okay, so I'll throw in my 2 cents before you read the official press release from the Stillwater School Board. There will be some uproar over the number of Sangre students being switched to Westwood. Well, 43 years ago, Westwood was THE school to go to! It was good enough for me and they've even updated it since then! I see three problems with this change. 1. Westwood doesn't have enough outdoor space (playground, learning center, etc) for 419 students, it probably didn't really have enough free space for the 286 kids that it had in the past. 2. Parking is non-existent. 3. When gasoline is pushing $4 per gallon, why should you have to drive 6 miles to take your child to school when there is a school a mile and a half away.

As far as objecting to your kids transferring, a school is a reflection of the families that use it. So if parental involvement continues as it did at Sangre Ridge, then Westwood will be just as strong and just as active as Sangre. So stay involved and get ready, because I think a bond issue will be coming down the line that will be building a new elementary school further west.

And now for the official press release:


On Thursday, June 19, the SPS School Board approved the new attendance boundaries for our elementary schools. This will go into effect when school resumes in August.

Any incoming fifth grader who should now attend a different school due to the boundary changes will be "grandfathered" for the 2008-2009 school year and can decide whether he/she wants to remain at his/her former school or move to their new school. Transportation will not be provided by the district for the "grandfathered" students. The district is gathering data to see if it will be possible for the siblings of "grandfathered" fifth graders to also be "grandfathered".

Dr. Caine will be contacting each family affected by the redistricting during the next two weeks to answer questions. These families will be receiving a letter from her explaining the redistricting decision. The letter will also outline the process for "grandfathered" fifth graders to use to notify their school of their intent for the 2008-2009 school year.

All students who have been granted in-district transfers in the past must reapply. The transfer application is available here and a hard copy is available at the BOE. All transfer applications are due to the BOE front desk no later than July 15 at 5:00pm.

If you have a question about redistricting that has not been answered, you may contact the district via email at redistricting@stillwater.k12.ok.us

Information Related to Attendance Boundary Change

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