FCPS considers redistricting 980 students to balance elementary enrollment
A draft option of redistricting would move 980 students between four elementary and two middle schools in Frederick County Public Schools in anticipation of a new school.
In addition, the school system is considering moving the boundaries of two other schools — one elementary and one middle — but the current proposal doesn't include moving students from those schools.
Elementary School #41 is scheduled to open for students in August 2026. The school, which does not have a name yet, will be built at Whiterose Drive and Mussetter Road near New Market.
The redistricting is to balance enrollment between the new school and five other elementary schools: Blue Heron, Oakdale, Deer Crossing, New Market and Spring Ridge.
The attendance boundaries of three middle schools — Gov. Thomas Johnson, New Market and Oakdale — will also be affected.
Based on 2024 enrollment, 6,086 students combined attend the eight schools.
Elementary School #41 is expected to have a state-rated capacity of 882 seats. Oakdale Elementary School is operating close to 170% capacity, according to FCPS' Educational Facilities Master Plan's 2024 enrollment.
The draft option included moving:
* 681 students from Oakdale to Elementary School #41
* 104 students from Spring Ridge to Oakdale Elementary School
* 86 students from Blue Heron to Oakdale Elementary School
* 2 students from Deer Crossing to Elementary School #41
* 107 students from Oakdale to Gov. Thomas Johnson Middle School
The draft option for the redistricting is scheduled to be presented to the Frederick County Board of Education at its meeting on Wednesday.
The school board will not be voting on whether to approve the draft, but will discuss the draft and potentially direct staff members to make certain changes.
As required by FCPS Policy 200, which governs school attendance areas and redistricting, several community engagement sessions are scheduled throughout May and June, including virtual and in-person meetings, and a general feedback form. No dates have been set yet.
FCPS hosted two community engagement sessions last month.
A public hearing for the redistricting is also scheduled for October. A date has not been set yet.
The school board is scheduled to vote on a final redistricting plan for the area in November or December, which would take effect at the beginning of the 2026-27 school year.
WXY Architecture + Urban Design of New York led the redistricting study and created the draft option.
The redistricting will cost the school district approximately $250,000 from Elementary School #41's project fund.
The agency has previously provided reports and recommendations to Prince George's County Public Schools and Montgomery County Public Schools for school district boundary changes.
After the draft option is presented to the school board, WXY plans to post the draft option to the project website, which is available at es41redistrictingstudy.org.
To create the draft option, WXY looked at student enrollment data, such as the number of students who are eligible for Free and Reduced-Price Meals, who are eligible for an Individualized Education Program and who attend special programs at any of the eight schools.
FCPS recently accepted submissions for a name for the new elementary school. Submissions closed on April 25.
On May 8, the school district is scheduled to announce a list of five to 10 names for the community to provide feedback. The deadline to provide community feedback on the shortlist of names is May 23.
The committee will then select three names to recommend to the school board in August. The school board makes the final decision.
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