Local

Seminole schools committee starts through pile of parents' zoning ideas

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — For hours dozens of rezoning committee members hacked away at nearly 100 rezoning plans suggested for the north phase of the Seminole County school rezoning.

Parent Stephanie Enright said she is only interested in one plan.

"Three of the plans put us at Wicklow and my son currently goes to Crystal Lake, and we'd like to stay in an 'A' [rated] school," said Enright.

If her son has to change elementary schools Enright said her family will have only one option.

"That's what we're fighting for is to not have to move," said Enright.

The district opened up the rezoning process to the public for ideas. They said they have received over 300 plans for the entire district.

The school district said the main goal of rezoning is to reduce school capacity and still allow for growth.

In order for a plan to end up on the short list the committee, made up of parents and community members, has to see if the plan fits all the major points the district requires.

John Reichert, director of human resources for Seminole County Public Schools, pointed out to WFTV reporter Renee Stoll some of the plans that were flawed.

"Here are five plans that have the school at 110 percent capacity. Those need to come out," said Reichert.

Other goals include equalizing diversity and special school programs.

Wednesday night's meeting left some parents to wonder if the unusual process to come up with new school zones will backfire.

"They allowed so many plans to be submitted and then it's a forum like this to try and narrow down the plans. It's confusing for people," said Enright.

School officials said the public has until midnight Wednesday to submit a plan.

The committees will meet again next week to narrow the list further.