College Station residents asked board members to consider a few key issues when rezoning the district: Allow students to go to schools they already attend to keep siblings and friends together, well-organized transportation and a balanced composition of socio- and eco-advantaged and disadvantaged students at all schools.
About 50 people attended a public forum Monday that lasted about 45 minutes. Many of the community members were there just to listen, while nine people addressed the board.
Redrawing district lines is necessary to prepare for the opening of two new campuses, officials said.
This is the second of three public forums board members are hosting to give residents a chance to speak on the subject. About 20 people attended the first meeting a week ago when a handful spoke.
Speakers have kept comments supportive while making it clear they want trustees to be aware of their concerns.
Sharon Colson, who has lived in the district for 37 years, said when people new to College Station ask her which neighborhood they should move to attend the best schools, she replies they're all equally great.
That's something she doesn't want to see change, she said.
"Our lines gerrymander for a reason," she said. "I don't ever want us to have a 'good' neighborhood or an 'in' school."
Board members said they have been pleased with the input they've received.
"I think the desire to keep each school outstanding has been a very strong message," said Board President Charlotte Slack. "I've been impressed with the number of positive comments. They seem to know it's not going to be easy and not everyone's going to be happy."
Once feedback has been gathered, board members will outline guidelines for a rezoning committee to adhere to when drawing district boundaries. Approval of the rezoning parameters is expected to come during the next board meeting March 23, officials said.
The rezoning committee -- composed of school officials, students and community members from all parts of the district -- will submit boundary plans for the board's approval in coming months, and officials said they hope trustees will adopt new attendance zones by October.
The new lines will be implemented during the 2011-12 school year in time for the opening of Greens Prairie Elementary, scheduled to open August 2011, and College Station High School, set to open August 2012.
A final public meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Thursday at the A&M Consolidated High School auditorium.
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