Highlands Students Could Lose Middle School Choice

If a proposed change goes through, 5th graders at might not have a choice this fall over which Edina middle school they'll be attending.

Rather than have the option of attending classes at or —Highlands was the only elementary school still offering a choice—students will simply be assigned to South View. The Board of Education discussed the change in June, but will be making a final decision during its Monday, July 23, meeting.

Superintendent Ric Dressen said the change stems from capacity issues at the district's two middle schools.

"We have had conversations with the leadership groups at Highlands about this and will make them aware of it," Dressen said. "We want to make sure the public is aware before we finalize that."

Under the new system, each middle school would have three elementary schools funneling it students. The district currently busses students from the Highlands area to Valley View, which would be eliminated by the change.

Any students—or their siblings—grandfathered in would not have to switch to South View, according to district officials. 

Mary Manderfield, director of enrollment and school improvement, said the change will impact 6-7 students in total out of next year's 90-plus 5th grade class. Students could still potentially go to Valley View by request, Manderfield said, as the change simply eliminates the previous option for everyone to choose.

Principal Peter Hodne has reportedly been in contact with the elementary school's parent councils, with notification planned to go out to all 5th grade families of the new policy moving forward.

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