Seminole County School District officials discuss rezoning plan

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Seminole County School District officials are discussing the possible rezoning of six schools.

Some parents told Channel 9 they were not on board with their children being shuffled to new schools.

District officials said the reason for the rezoning is to make way for the reopening of Longwood Elementary School.

The school was closed in 2011 as the county dealt with a budget shortfall. It will be renovated for $8 million before it reopens next year.

"My biggest concerns are for all of the kids," parent Julie Trujjilo. “I don't feel that I'm necessarily being heard in my concerns for these kids.”

Trujilio said her daughter is a third-grader at Highlands Elementary School, which is one of the schools that could be rezoned next year.

“We're staying about uptick of 900 to 1,000 new students every school year,” said Michael Lawrence of Seminole County Schools.

The district said it's too early to know from which schools children will have to move.

On Nov. 9, parents and the school board will hear three proposals for rezoning.

The district is using software to determine natural boundaries, such as roads, that could determine the new zones.

The distance between a child's current elementary school and Longwood Elementary is also a factor in to who gets rezoned.

Trujillio admits a new school is good for the county, but she worries how a potential move could impact her daughter’s education.

“I'm glad it's reopening. I think it would be good for the community. I think there's a need for it, but not at the expense of the kids' stability,” said Trujilio.

The district said that there could be exemptions to rezoning requirements.

Rising fifth graders will not have to move schools. Their siblings will also be allowed to stay for one year, and families that have been rezoned in the last three years will not be forced to change schools.

The schools that might be part of the rezoning process are: Highlands Elementary, Keeth Elementary, Lake Mary Elementary, Layer Elementary, Winter Springs Elementary and Woodlands Elementary.

Cox Media Group