School Redistricting Plan Passes
Butterfly Ridge Redistricting Plan Passes 4 - 2
A school redistricting plan passed by a margin of four in favor and two opposed at the Frederick County Board of Education meeting on June 14, with an amendment proposed by BOE member Kenn Kerr, PhD. The approved plan was revised May 31, with a final recommendation known as Option B, plus an amendment to assign planning blocks 10 and 73 to Butterfly Ridge Elementary School.
BOE Vice President Liz Barrett proposed that 97 students remain at Tuscarora Elementary School, rather than redistrict to Carroll Manor as proposed under Option B, but it did not receive enough support for an amendment.
Under Option B, Butterfly Ridge ES opens at 99% capacity with 757 total enrollment (includes forecasted enrollment for 2018-19). Waverley Elementary School opens at 133% capacity, with 585 total enrollment, Hillcrest Elementary School at 89% capacity, and 580 total enrollment, and Orchard Grove Elementary School at 100% capacity and 660 enrollment.
Kerr led the discussion on Option B meeting the needs of the Waverley ES community. He asked if the current redistricting lines, which divide Elmwood Terrace on the south side of Keystone Parkway, did “great damage to these families.” At issue was the bussing of students to Butterfly Ridge ES, making it difficult for parents without transportation to attend school-based events.
Kerr had himself walked the distance to Butterfly Ridge ES, and it took him 40 minutes, most of it uphill. Reassigning planning block 42 to Waverley ES, and redistricting 48 students to Butterfly Ridge who were already being bussed to Waverley ES would address this problem, increasing total students enrolled at Waverley by nine. The amendment passed.
Barrett again introduced discussion on the proposed move for 97 students in planning block 25 on the west side of Linton to move to Carroll Manor Elementary School under Option B. She was in favor of these students remaining at Tuscarora Elementary School.
Facilities manager Paul Lebo stated that such a move would raise Tuscarora to a total of 819 students at a school already at 109% capacity and increase the number of portables from three to seven. Board member Joy Schaefer commented that while she was sympathetic to these families she looked to “the best solution for all kids.” The issue was not seconded for an amendment.
