Durham school board approves controversial redistricting plan that aims for educational equity
Durham Public School Board approved a controversial new redistricting plan Thursday night. The plan divides the district into five regions.
The vote was near unanimous, as only one member of the board voted against the redistricting.
Thousands of children will have to switch schools, but the district says the change worth it for the equity the plan creates.
Parents are divided about the redistricting process. Some are concerned about the impact of switching schools for their students, but others believe this is the right move for the district as a whole.
"I am of the belief that any of the schools will do a good job for my children," said Samira Wellemeyer, whose daughter will be switching schools under the Growing Together redistricting plan.
Wellemeyer has been part of focus groups on the redistricting for two years.
She says it's not perfect, but it is needed.
"We need to plan for the city that we have now, and not just keep trying to make this old system work for us," she said.
The plan divides the district into five regions.
School Board Chair Bettina Umstead says each district is similar in capacity, enrollment, and household income.
"With the new rules, it really allows folks all across Durham to have more access," Umstead said.
Each region will have specialized options.
Kristen Southworth, whose children attend year-round Easley Elementary School, says COVID shined a spotlight on inequities, and she wants other families to have opportunities.
"It's really important that all of our kids in Durham have access to the same quality education," Southworth said.
One goal is to relieve pressure on over-enrolled schools. Four of the most overcrowded schools – Southwest, Holt, Hope Valley, and Bethesda Elementary – are all at or over 110% capacity.
"What that's meant for some of those buildings is that they are using trailers that are outside. They also are having many, many lunch periods, so some students are having lunch at 10 a.m.," Umstead said.
These rules would take effect in the 2024-2025 school year.
