The approved elementary rezoning plan does not include an opt-out process. Historically, CMCSS has not had an opt-out plan for elementary rezoning. There have been accommodations in the past for select grade levels at the middle school and high school level due to specialized academic programming, state-sanctioned athletics, arts programs, etc. In CMCSS, Pk-5 curriculum is streamlined across all schools, except for open-enrollment special programs that are not impacted by rezoning.

The rezoning plan seeks to relieve overcrowding at schools, establish enrollment zones for new schools, and better balance capacities across the district. Because of the intricacies of a two-phase rezoning plan and the opening of two new schools over the next three years, rezoning opt-outs would delay the relief for overcrowding and in many circumstances could compound overcrowding since it is not predictable which families would opt out or not as students move in and out of new zones. Additionally, there are always increased staffing costs to accommodate rezoning opt-outs as new schools will still have to establish a core staff while additional teachers would need to be hired wherever student enrollment remains high to balance class sizes. With the middle and high school rezoning opt-out process, this was estimated to cost a few extra million dollars in staffing to accommodate opt-outs.

We understand that this process and the uncertainty of changing zone lines can be difficult for some families. CMCSS strives to provide high-quality education and welcoming environments at all of our schools. Our faculty, staff, and administrators look forward to welcoming children to their new school and ensuring a smooth transition. CMCSS does have a long-standing Special Transfer Request process for families who qualify.