GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Close to one out of every 12 students in Georgia’s largest school district may be changing schools next fall.
District leaders in Gwinnett County have announced that rezoning the school system is likely to affect 14,000 students.
The announcement comes after Gwinnett County Schools, the nation's 13th-largest school district, added a new high school and feeder schools to its system.
“Nobody likes redistricting, but it’s something we have to do,” said Sloan Roach, director of media relations for Gwinnett County Schools.
Parents have questions about the shuffle.
“What are the areas that are going to be affected and will it be one of mine?” Miaya Johnson said.
Johnson has two boys at Hopkins Elementary in Lilbun.
Like a lot of parents, she bought a home in a neighborhood so her children could go to a particular school. However, her house falls right on the line that may be moving.
Johnson also has a son starting his freshman year at Meadow Creek.
"I'd hate for him to be uprooted just when he's getting comfortable, and getting involved in activities," she said.
Four schools are slated to be open next fall, two elementary schools, a middle school and a high school. When doors open, children who attend 31 current schools will likely be sent elsewhere.
Officials say students from Berkmar, Central Gwinnett and Meadow Creek high schools, along with the middle and elementary school that feed them, will be most affected.
Before the decision is made, the district plans to listen to parent and student comments and take into consideration other factors.
“We will be looking at numbers as students come into the district. Then we will be developing boundaries at that time,” said Dr. Steve Flynt, chief strategy and performance officer for Gwinnett County Public Schools.
Parents will get their first look at the newly realigned maps showing exactly which neighborhoods go to which school Oct. 6.
Adjustments will be made, and a final decision will be announced in December.
WSBTV
