HCPSS Students Could Find Themselves At A New School With Redistricting Plan Proposal

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Students might find themselves attending a new school with a redistricting plan under review by Howard County Public School leaders.

Eleven schools in Columbia and Ellicott City might see students shuffled around to help alleviate crowding issues. The changes in school attendance areas would not take effect until the 2026-2027.

The Howard County Board of Education directed the HCPSS on Feb. 13 to start the boundary review process, which includes Bryant Woods, Running Brook, Swansfield, Longfellow, Clemens Crossing and Centennial Lane elementary schools. Wilde Lake, Harper’s Choice and Burleigh Manor middle schools, as well as Centennial and Wilde Lake high schools also will be included to allow adjustments to feeds. Details and information about the boundary review process, including a survey open through April 30, can be found online.

Enrollment projections show Bryant Woods Elementary will balloon to 137% capacity in 2033 because of ongoing development in the Columbia Town Center area, according to the school system. School system staff also projected that Centennial Lane Elementary will continue to exceed student capacity from now until 2033.

There also will be information sessions for the community to learn about the boundary review process and the school district's timeline starting Tuesday night. Registration is encouraged. All information sessions are open for any community member to attend.

• Tuesday, April 15, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Wilde Lake Middle School Cafeteria, 10481 Cross Fox Lane, Columbia
• Thursday, April 24, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Burleigh Manor Middle School Media Center, 4200 Centennial Lane, Ellicott City
• Monday, April 28, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Swansfield Elementary School Cafeteria, 5610 Cedar Lane, Columbia

A final decision on any changes in school boundaries will be made by the board in November 2025 for the 2026-2027 school year.