Frustration was evident Tuesday when Hamilton County Schools officials revealed rezoning proposals designed to reduce crowding at East Hamilton Middle/High School and some elementary schools in that area.
What promoted the rezoning is obvious: Population in areas around the schools is growing, and the schools can’t accommodate everyone who wants to attend. Capacity at East Hamilton, for instance, is 1,650 students. Attendance at East Hamilton, however, is 2,000 students.
The causes of parental frustration Tuesday were understandable. Solutions that don’t involve moving students around were less apparent.
Here are the key issues raised by upset residents whose children may have to go to schools other than the ones they expected to attend:
• Loss of stability. The rezoning means many students who have already begun attending a particular school would have to go to a different one. Technically, the proposal provides a grandfather clause so students can stay at their current school if they wish. But because they would have to find their own transportation, many children won’t be able to take advantage of that option.