MIDDLETOWN, Ohio — Sweeping changes impacting thousands of students are coming to the Middletown School District as officials are now studying redistricting younger grade levels in different school buildings.
The plan is still in its early stages, but district officials tell WCPO it looks to change all seven elementary schools from the current K-5 model to grades K-6.
The overall strategy, Middletown Superintendent Deborah Houser said, is to more efficiently apply the district’s resources, funds, programs and personnel while allowing more kindergarten and elementary students to attend schools in their neighborhoods.
“Our population densities have shifted, our enrollment has shifted, so it’s time," Houser said.
More than 3,300 students are enrolled in Middletown’s K-6 classes.
“This initiative also aims to balance enrollment and optimize the use of district facilities, ensuring we are financially responsible in our decision-making,” Houser said. “By aligning resources and supporting student success, we are creating a more efficient and effective learning environment for all.”
Houser said the 6th grade center building would no longer be just for sixth graders, but at this time there is no exact plan for the center.
For parent Kasey Hill, that’s why she is in favor of the new plan.
“I had actually thought about pulling him out of Middletown schools and moving to Madison so that he could avoid the 6th grade school,” Hill said.
However, other parents have concerns.
“One of the big things that I’m concerned about is moving children from one school to another,” said Stefani Bargeron, Wildwood Elementary parent.
Houser said it is possible that students next year could be at a different elementary school, but she did not have numbers of how many students that may be.
Officials said they want to hear from families and others about the redistricting plan tentatively scheduled to begin in the 2025-26 school year.
An online survey has been available for weeks and will continue through next week with access at the district’s website. And the public will also have other opportunities to share their opinions in the coming months before the plan requires approval from the Middletown Board of Education.
“Please note that no decisions have been made at this point. This survey is meant to kick off the redistricting process, and your feedback will be used to begin drawing boundary options with community values and desires in mind,” noted officials, who added all community members will have additional opportunities to provide feedback in person.”
Watch Live:
