ALBEMARLE — The Stanly County Board of Education is discussing the idea of a proposed redistricting for three elementary schools in the western part of the county.
Due to overcrowding at Locust Elementary School and Stanfield Elementary School, the current line of discussion has led to the prospect of moving 160 students to Endy Elementary School; Locust is currently 73 students over its capacity of 500, while Stanfield is 35 students over its capacity of 460.
The recommendation is based on a study produced specifically for Stanly County Schools by Numerix, an American capital markets front-to-risk technology provider and consulting firm.
In a redistricting situation, Locust and Stanfield students who live closer to the Endy area would be forced to change schools regardless of the time spent at their current locations.
At the school board’s regular meeting on Feb. 4, one day after the board held a special-called meeting to talk over redistricting plans, a public comment session was held where parents and students provided their own input on the topic.
“My son is a fourth grader at Locust Elementary,” said concerned parent Ashley Eudy. “My family has put our heart, soul, and money into the Locust community because Locust is who we are…Moving my son to Endy is going to disrupt our life in a way that you could probably not understand because it doesn’t affect you directly. Trying to move approximately 160 kids is a big deal to the families of those 160 kids.”
Parents also mentioned their apprehension to redistricting due to increased bus ride times, other transportation issues, and the overall socialization effects that a school change could have on their children.
“My house is right on the line, so just move that line on down and come up with a better way than moving kids who are trying to live in a place where they want to be — not somebody new coming in and saying, ‘okay, well let’s make room and move those guys over there,’” said parent Phillip Blackwelder, who referenced the proposed redistricting maps.
Stanly County Schools announced on Feb. 6 that there will be a community information public meeting at the West Stanly Middle School gymnasium on Thursday night (Feb. 13) at 6 p.m. where the school district will show a presentation of visuals, maps, and data outlining the need for redistricting, guiding factors and proposed changes.
“To address increasing student enrollment and relieve overcrowding in our schools, Stanly County Schools is considering realignment adjustments for the upcoming school year for the Endy Elementary School feeder area,” Stanly County Schools said in a statement. “This will affect the attendance zones for Endy, Locust, and Stanfield. We understand this is an important topic for our community, and we want to ensure that families have access to clear, accurate information about the process.”
While there will not be a public comment session during the event, the public is encouraged to provide input regarding the proposed plan by filling out the online form at stanlycountyschools.org.
In a social media post, School Board Member Meghan Almond criticized the meeting’s lack of a public comment session: “The decision of no public comments on Feb. 13 was not my decision. I’m not sure how this decision was made! It’s absurd! As an elected official it is your job to listen to the people that hired you. Even when there is a confrontation. To silence the people who hire you is a disservice to what is expected.”
The Stanly County Board of Commissioners is set to meet again on March 4 at 6:15 p.m. in the Gene McIntyre Meeting Room at Stanly County Commons.