Lee McDade, assistant superintendent of Hamilton County SchoolsTHE STORY SO FARHamilton County Schools administrators have created a rezoning plan for schools on the east side of the county. Plans call for moving several hundred students from East Hamilton Middle/High School to Hunter Middle, Ooltewah Middle and Ooltewah High. About 10 elementary schools also are proposed to be rezoned to alleviate overcrowding and in preparation for construction of two new elementary schools. At a work session Tuesday, board members agreed to create a community committee to work with administrators on the proposal. The rezoning issue, removed from Thursday’s school board agenda, could be up for a vote at the board’s April meeting.
Parents say they’re encouraged that they’ve been invited into the rezoning process for schools in East Hamilton County, though some wonder whether such a gesture could be too little, too late.
After a rezoning plan for the area was met with hostility from many parents, the Hamilton County Board of Education decided last week to start a community advisory committee.
Parents criticized the zoning plan for being shortsighted and said the process administrators used wasn’t transparent enough. Some now say they’re encouraged that parents will have a venue to review the rezoning plans and pitch alternate ideas to school leaders.
“I’m cautiously optimistic. I hope they’re doing it in good faith. I think it’s great they’re willing to listen,” said parent Billy Stewart, who will serve on the committee.