The GCISD Board of Trustees approved a proposal to adjust attendance zones for Cannon Elementary, Dove Elementary and Silver Lake Elementary schools. The plan is designed to alleviate crowding at SLES caused by steady growth in student enrollment. This growth trend has been ongoing for the past five years and, in the most recent demographic report for the district, is projected to continue through 2020. Trustees approved the plan during a special-called meeting May 7.
"Adjusting attendance zones is not something that anyone ever wants to do, but sometimes it is the most feasible option for addressing crowding and preparing for continued growth within a school community," said Dr. Robin Ryan, Superintendent. "We realize this decision affects families at a personal level and our staff really has worked to consider all the impacts in developing this plan while still addressing the capacity concerns at Silver Lake. As we move forward, the principals, teachers and teams at each of these three schools will continue working with families to create a smooth and positive transition for students."
Under the plan, approximately 100 students who currently attend SLES will attend Dove beginning with the 2012-2013 school year. Another 18-20 SLES students will attend Cannon beginning in the fall. While district leaders continually monitor enrollment and school capacities, no other attendance zone adjustments are being planned in the district for the coming year. Approved Map of New Attendance Zones
Many factors and data have been considered when determining where to adjust the attendance zones. These include the impact on families in these school communities, the number of students in each geographical area, campus enrollment trends and projections, proximity to nearby schools, specialty program enrollment such as dual language and bilingual, bus transportation, building capacities, possible staffing adjustments, and parent feedback. With assistance from the district demographer, campus principals and district administrators evaluated all these factors in drafting new boundary lines that transfer enough students from SLES to Dove and Cannon to relieve overcrowding at SLES while also balancing student populations among the school.Parents at Cannon Elementary, Dove Elementary and Silver Lake Elementary were invited to meetings at their respective schools to learn about a plan to adjust attendance zones for these three schools. The district then conducted a short survey asking parents for feedback to ensure district planners had considered all the factors impacting families with this adjustment. District and campus leaders addressed parent questions and concerns provided in the survey through Frequently Asked Questions posted on the district and campus websites. In addition, principals have worked to respond to questions from individual parents and parent groups in their school communities.
Moving forward, the Cannon and Dove communities are planning welcome events for the students and families who will be joining their campuses in the fall. During these special nights, families are invited to meet the teachers and staff of their new school, tour the building, and learn about the programs and activities offered. Cannon's welcome event for new students will be during the evening on Tuesday, May 15, and the welcome to Dove night will be Thursday, May 17. Families moving to these schools will be receiving additional information.
