Thursday, January 16, 2014

Update: Second Public Meeting for Grade-School Proposal is Jan. 22

CORRECTION: Originally, this post indicated that the meeting was scheduled for Mon., Jan. 20. The correct date is Wed., Jan. 22.

The Johnston Community School District continues to seek public comments on a proposal to redraw elementary school boundaries starting in the 2014-2015 academic year. A new proposal has been added to the discussion following a Dec. 17 public input meeting, and an additional public meeting has been scheduled for 7 p.m., Wed., Jan. 22, at the Johnston Middle School, 6207 N.W. 62nd Ave., Johnston.

The Board of Education will decide between the two plans at its Jan. 27 meeting.

Under the earlier proposed plan, all students grades K-5 in the Green Meadows West neighborhood would attend Timber Ridge Elementary, located at 7370 N.W. 54th Ave, Johnston.

Currently, a majority of the Green Meadows West neighborhood falls into the area served by Henry A. Wallace Elementary, 6510 N.W. 62nd Ave. Only Plat 12–the section of Green Meadows West nearest the neighborhood entrance on N.W. 54th Ave.–is currently served by Timber Ridge.

A newly added proposal would shift other district grade-school boundaries, but Green Meadows West neighborhood students would continue to attend their current schools—either Wallace or Timber Ridge. The proposed changes are intended to relieve over-crowding at Beaver Creek and Horizon elementary schools caused by growth in the city’s north and west. Since 1984, the district has experienced a 1 to 4 percent annual increase in student population.

For new downloadable maps of the two proposals now under consideration, click here.

For a downloadable breakdown of student populations that would be affected by each of the two proposals, click here.

Comments regarding the proposed boundary changes may be directed via e-mail to Johnston Schools communications coordinator Laura Dillavou at: laura.dillavou@johnston.k12.ia.us.

For updates regarding the Johnston Community School District’s facilities construction, school boundary changes, and other proposals, visit the district’s “Construction Central” website.