Iowa City Schools Official Answers Questions About New Redistricting Plans

Superintendent Steve Murley deferred questions to Assistant Superintendent Ann Feldmann about that emerged today.

Below are her responses:

What questions do you have about the new redistricting plans?

Who was involved in making the plans?

In this, our second year after the district-wide redistricting discussions, we are following the same process we used successfully in developing elementary boundary changes in 2010-11. (to open )  The process involves a leadership team consisting of building principals and district administrators. Once this team develops drafts that they believe address the identified needs, we seek community input. On March 8, we will hold a community forum at . There are also input forms available on the district website. The forms will also be available at the community meetings. As community input is received, drafts are adjusted and brought back to the community. When the leadership team develops a draft process that they feel fully developed, a recommendation will be provided to the superintendent and then the board of directors. At that point, the board may choose to accept or adjust the draft using a process of their choosing.

How will parents react to these plans, and what is your response to them?

We are currently seeking community input via forums, email, and hard copy input forms. As proven by the boundary process in 2011-12, we will use this input to make adjustments to the drafts. In 2011-12, several ideas from community members were incorporated into subsequent drafts. We do not want to assume any reaction and look to remain open to all ideas.

Are more scenarios being developed, and if so what schools do they affect?

More scenarios will follow, as community input is received.

Is the district looking again at adding a third high school?

The board of education determined in 2009-10 that the district will proceed with plans for a third comprehensive high school when enrollment projections reach certain targets and when operating costs are available in the district budget. Currently, a group of high school, junior high, and district administrators, as well as counselors and teachers from West and City High are studying what a third comprehensive high school could look like. This potential picture includes options for the building and grounds and curricular and co-curricular options for students.