WS/FCS has made the first revisions to the draft proposed residential school boundary maps based on community feedback. It’s the first map update in an ongoing process to develop modernized school boundaries with input from community members across the district.
“We want to emphasize that we are still in the planning phase and actively listening to and engaging with people across our entire community about the best ways to move forward on this complex issue,” said Dr. Effie McMillian, co-lead of the Fostering Diverse Schools project and the district’s chief equity officer. “This is the first in what will be many revisions considered over the next several months and we are still seeking input from community members who have not weighed in. Remember – we’re not asking you to pick one map. We want your help to design the best map for the whole district.”
Since the first set of draft residential school boundary maps were released in February, community members have shared more than 2,700 thoughts and insights through the online feedback portal, https://maps.wsfcsvoices.org.
This first round of map revisions addresses some key issues community members have raised, including spots where the proposed boundaries increased driving distances significantly for some families or split up a neighborhood. In one area the revisions allowed for tweaks to ensure there is space for school Choice and Magnet programming.
Some specific updates made to Map B and Map C include:
Re-assigning parts of the Village of Clemmons back to Clemmons Middle and West Forsyth High (from Flat Rock Middle and Parkland High, respectively) to address large increases in driving distances.
Re-assigning areas in the southeast part of Reynolds High back to Parkland High to allow for space for Choice/Magnet enrollment at Reyolds.
Reducing driving distances by re-assigning some neighborhoods back to Whitaker Elementary.
Updating Brunson Elementary and Ashley Elementary’s boundaries to improve driving distances for families living near the new locations for these schools.
Fixing a neighborhood split that affected the Abington area of Kernersville.
Additional areas for improvement on the draft maps will continue to be considered throughout this phase of the project.
Haven’t participated yet? Go online right now to review and comment on the draft maps at https://maps.wsfcsvoices.org. The project team is also hosting 17 community sessions across the county. If you have questions about the project or want assistance reviewing the maps, register to attend one at https://bit.ly/wsfcsregister.
WS/FCS residential boundaries have not changed in more than 30 years. Fostering Diverse Schools aims to modernize the district’s residential boundaries to increase socioeconomic diversity and enhance school transportation efficiency while improving school crowding issues and keeping students with their peers from Kindergarten through high school. If adopted, new residential boundaries would not go into effect until the 2026-2027 school year at the earliest. Students would not be forced to change schools while they are in the middle of their grade span.
Learn more at www.wsfcs.k12.nc.us/page/fostering-diverse-schools.