Five Neighborhood School Boundaries Will Be Adjusted

After an extensive staff review and public input process, Eugene School District 4J Superintendent George Russell decided to adjust five neighborhood school boundaries, effective next school year (2009–10).

APPROVED:

Of the six boundary changes that had been initially under consideration, two will be implemented as originally proposed:
Proposal 1: Laurel Hill Valley
Proposal 4: East Skinner Butte Historic District Area

Two proposals will be implemented with some minor modifications, based on suggestions from families who live in those areas:
Proposal 3: Hawkins/Blacktail Drive Vicinity
Proposal 6: West College Hill Area

One new boundary change proposal that emerged from community feedback at public input meetings also will be implemented. This additional change will adjust a school attendance boundary in the south Fox Hollow Road area, moving a small area to the South region.
Proposal 7: South Fox Hollow Road Area

NOT APPROVED:

The remaining two boundary change proposals will not go forward at this time but may be reviewed again following budget decisions for the 2009–11 biennium. 
Proposal 2: Vicinity East of Morse Ranch to Hilyard
Proposal 5: West Downtown Area

About 180 students (just over 1% of 4J’s total student enrollment), many of whom already attend the newly designated neighborhood schools or other 4J schools, reside within the boundary change areas. These students may choose to enroll at their newly designated neighborhood school in 2009–10, continue at their former neighborhood school, or continue attending any other 4J school at which they are enrolled. Starting next school year, bus transportation will be provided only to the new neighborhood schools.

Prior to making his decision, the superintendent sought input from community members through several public meetings, comment cards, phone calls and an online survey. In each of the five neighborhoods affected by the boundary changes, a large majority of the parents responding supported the proposal.

The school boundary review was among the recommendations approved by the Eugene School Board last year, as part of the Shaping 4J’s Future planning process. The purpose of the boundary review is to ensure that students are assigned to a neighborhood school close to where they live and that each neighborhood school maintains an adequate number of students within its attendance boundary as 4J's student enrollment declines and shifts. The scope was limited, in order to minimize disruption for students and families.

For more information, read background information or download the fact sheet and map.