Looking at a surge of new students in the southern part of the school district and a surplus of classroom space in the northern tier, Parkland officials prepared a redistricting plan to alter boundaries to accommodate everyone.

Although conditions are already tight at Cetronia, Fogelsville and Jaindl elementary schools, the situation will become more intense as hundreds of new homes under construction bring additional families into the area.

Redistricting calls for shifting students northward from the crowded areas in the south to schools with available seats.

Superintendent Richard Sniscak commented on the redistricting project at the Nov. 17 board meeting.

“We need to address this imbalance and move children to schools below capacity,” Sniscak said. “All schools have the same high quality programs.

“We never tell Realtors a student will go to a particular school. We used to move kids every summer. Some went to three or four different schools in their elementary years.”

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Rod Troutman said a demographic survey conducted by Decision Insite for the Stantec Feasibility Study provided information for the redistricting plan.

He said even with redistricting, a ninth elementary school may be necessary due to high population growth in the southern region.

Under the proposed redistribution, Kernsville Elementary would go from the least number of students to the highest, while growth at Schnecksville Elementary is expected to remain stagnant for a long time, Troutman said.

Schnecksville, therefore, will be able to take students from other areas.

Two small neighborhoods with 18 children from families in Parkway Manor Elementary are listed for redistricting.

Children from Hilltop Ridge, along Snowdrift Road, are recommended for transfer to Kernsville, while Winchester students are being moved to Kratzer.

Andrew Block, of Hilltop Ridge, expressed concern about the proposal.

“Children spend more time at school than they do at home,” Block said.

“Their school community serves as their second family.

“Our children need stability and community. We are a community, and we ask you not to tear us apart.”

Lisa Ellis, clinical psychologist, said children taken out of their environment may experience adverse effects from the change.

Jason Anderson, parent of a special needs son at Parkway Manor, said the impact of changing schools would set his child back both academically and socially.

Monet Kristel suggested enrolling students from the new developments in the northern schools before they establish roots anywhere.

Adam Edwards, of Winchester, expressed dismay youngsters in his neighborhood are being sent to Kratzer Elementary.

“I’m thrilled with Parkway Manor and very alarmed and disappointed with this redistricting proposal,” Edwards said.

Troutman explained Parkland is trying to keep a balance in class size.

If the schools are overcrowded and class sizes swell, teachers, parents, and administrators are not happy with that situation either, Troutman explained.

The board is expected to vote on redistricting at its December meeting.