Cape tables elementary redistricting until spring 2020

Applause broke out at the Nov. 15 school board meeting when Cape Superintendent Bob Fulton announced Love Creek and Rehoboth Elementary redistricting will be tabled to spring 2020.

Fulton said the board listened to all emails and comments submitted by parents in making its decision. 

Board Vice President Jessica Tyndall said, “We heard you and we care about your kids.”

Fulton said the board will create a comprehensive plan to implement two years from now, when all five elementary schools and two middle schools will be redistricted together. 

Until then, he said, some Love Creek classrooms may have a couple more students than usual.

While parents expressed relief regarding the postponement, several stated the decision delays addressing the school choice issue.

One parent said if the board had gone through with the redistricting, children from outside the district would have been able to choice in to Love Creek.

“You would have bused kids to Rehoboth who live one mile from Love Creek, and bused in kids who live 30 miles away to Love Creek,” she said.

School board member Andy Lewis said while school choice does have benefits, dealing with population growth makes it difficult.

“We’re fortunate to have a community that consistently backs referendums to build new schools,” he said. “In the next 12 years, we’re projected to have a growth of 1,000 students. I don't think the freedom of school choice will go away, unfortunately. The best thing to do is cope with it the best we can.”

Tyndall said all of Cape’s elementary schools are top-notch.

“That’s why people want to choice in here so bad,” she said.

Fulton said he will meet with local legislators in the coming weeks to inform them how school choice affects the Cape district.

“Not every district is the same, and that causes problems,” he said.