5 Public Forums Scheduled For Prince George's Co. School Redistricting Process

UPPER MARLBORO, MD — As the Prince George's County Public School district considers redrawing some school boundaries, five community forums have been scheduled for parents and students to give their input.

The district is trying to balance enrollment in its buildings, as some schools are over capacity and others are under-utilized. Additionally, the district is drawing boundaries for its new and expanded middle schools, as well as considering consolidating elementary schools.

New boundaries could mean students go to different schools than they currently attend in the coming years.

The meetings, offered in both English and Spanish, are virtual. Interested parties may sign up at this link.

The district has drawn up three draft scenarios that you can view here.

Click aquí para leer en español.

Schools in the northern part of the county are more likely to be overutilized, meaning classrooms are too full, bus pick-up areas are crowded, and there is less room for parking. Buildings further south tend to be underutilized, meaning there is a higher cost per student to operate and some classrooms are empty.

Officials shoot for capacities in the 80 to 95 percent range, but few schools meet the goal. About 27 percent of elementary and K-8 schools, 33 percent of middle schools and 19 percent of high schools fall within this range.

The growing population does not affect all schools in the same way. The overcrowding centers around Beltsville, College Park, Glen Dale, Greenbelt and Hyattsville.

Altogether, 23 elementary schools, 10 middle schools and two high schools are operating at 115 percent capacity. Even more hover around 100 percent capacity.

Forty-seven schools are overpopulated, and 74 are underpopulated.