At the Nov. 29 and Dec. 13 Clarkston Community Schools Board of Education meeting, several parents voiced their displeasure about parental involvment with the proposed elementary boundary changes. Many parent questions were addressed, while some require further research.
So, where does the district stand on parent involvement on this issue?
The process of redistricting was created by an administrative committee that includes the executive director of elementary education, the executive director of personnel, the director of communications and marketing, and the transportation director. This team created a draft plan for parent feedback, which they posted at the elementary schools during the week of Nov. 15. Also, comment cards were available for parents to retrieve. The information of the plan was sent home with students on Nov. 12.
‘All comments received from the comment cards, via email and telephone conversations have been reviewed,? said Anita Banach, director of communications and marketing, in an email to The Clarkston News.
The evaluation techniques for the redistricting proposal are based on utilizing all elementary school buildings. Transportation safety, costs, and number of students, as well as open classroom seats were all considered.
The Parent Advisory Team (PAT) was invited to a separate meeting on Dec. 6. Banach stated in her e-mail that all comments were reviewed and attempts were made to clarify why certain changes to the plan would or would not be suitable. She also stated (PAT) members commented that the process worked well compared to the process used in the past.
‘The board meeting is the stage for anyone wishing to verbally provide comments,? said Banach, in her email. ‘All written comments are still accepted.?
‘Our goal is to balance all of our elementary buildings and to ensure that each school has the space to provide the same learning opportunities for students,? said Geraldine Moore, director of elementary education. ‘This is an emotional issue, but the fact remains that every one of our elementary buildings provides a top notch learning environment, and I would never hesitate to send one of my own children to any one of the Clarkston schools.?
Moore declined to meet and speak with The Clarkston News. The previous quotation came through the e-mail from Anita Banach in the communications and marketing department.
Through previous presentations to the board, Moore explained that a large amount of classroom space was added to Pine Knob Elementary. The redistricting team believes that the plan will eleviate some of the overcrowding issues within the elementary schools.
The proposed shifts from the draft plan include:
? (A) Montclair Subdivision – the area South of Waldon, North of I-75, East of Clintonville Road and West of Rohr Road. These areas will be moved to Pine Knob Elementary from Bailey Lake Elementary.
? (B) Timber Creek Subdivision- South of Waldon, North of I-75 and West of Clintonville Road. These areas will be moved to Pine Knob Elementary from Clarkston Elementary.
? (C) Northcrest Condominiums will be moved from to Clarkston Elementary from Springfield Plains Elementary.
? (D) Clarkston Bluff Condominiums and the Maple Road area will be moved to Clarkston Elementary from Springfield Plains.
? (E) Lancaster Apartments, Green Lake Apartments, Parview Street and Andersonville Road East of Nelsey, will be moved to Andersonville Elementary from Springfield Plains Elementary.
? (F) changes include: Reese Road, a portion of Rattalee Lake Road east and West of Reese Road, and Ellis Road North of Knox and Oakhill Road between Ellis just East of Reese, will be moved to Springfield Plains Elementary from Independence Elementary.
The school district is still committed to reviewing all comments and making changes when appropriate. A final decision is expected on Jan.10.
The Clarkston News invites comments from parents who support the redistricting, including members of the PAT.