Polk County school officials are well aware that whenever they set out to redraw school district boundaries, there's apt to be a heated response from parents.
This time around, however, there's been little grumbling about a proposal to rezone five elementary schools in East Polk County -- a proposal that faces its first public hearing tonight.
School Public Relations Director Francis McMichael speculated that flaring tempers are minimal now because a portion of the students in each of the existing schools will have the opportunity to transfer into two new facilities in Haines City and Davenport. Moreover, school overcrowding will be reduced.
"I think rezoning is the hardest thing to do in the district," McMichael said. "They're the most emotional meetings I have ever been to. People have a real affection to the schools they are involved with. But the existing schools are getting smaller, and that is a good thing (because) those impacted are going to new schools."
The rezoning is being divided into two sections. The east area will affect Alta Vista, Dundee, Eastside Loughman Oaks and Davenport elementary schools. The north central/south central area will affect Auburndale Central, Boswell, Caldwell, Eagle Lake, Elbert, Garden Grove, Garner, Inwood, Lake Alfred, Lake Shipp, Lena Vista, Polk City, Snively and Wahneta elementary Schools.
"I haven't heard anything except positive words," said Davenport Principal Brian Kier, who is expecting to lose about 300 students. "This is something that is going to be a plus for the community."
A map of the rezoned boundaries has been made available to parents in Alta Vista's school lobby for their inspection, but Principal Emma Threatt hasn't fielded any feedback.
"No one is saying anything," she said. "Right now everything is moving smoothly. I think it's going to be fine."
The public hearing for the east area is at 6:30 p.m. at Haines City High School.
The hearing for the north and south central area is scheduled for Jan. 18 at Winter Haven High School.
