Hoover Schools Unveil New Zoning Plan, Schedule Meetings For Parent Feedback
After months of input from the public and from the federal government, Hoover City Schools presented a proposed rezoning plan Thursday to more than a hundred people at Metropolitan Church of God.
Everyone from parents to taxpayers to the Department of Justice is watching Hoover’s rezoning process — an issue that has stirred controversy in the past.
Hoover Superintendent Kathy Murphy says goals of the plan include efficient use the district’s 17 school buildings and cutting travel times for students while complying with a 45-year-old desegregation court order.
“There are desegregation obligations which we must, and should, and will make sure that we’re honoring,” Murphy said at Thursday’s meeting.
Many of the changes in the complex plan have to do with grade-level configurations. Roughly 2,500 students – about 18 percent of the student body – would end up in different school zones. Parents can check on their kids’ zones at HooverReZoning.com.
“We have some schools underutilized,” said Murphy. “And we have some of our schools, if you will, that are really pushing capacity. And they’re a bit strained and stressed.”
There are four smaller meetings scheduled in the district this month. Unlike Thursday’s presentation, those meetings will include public feedback. School officials hope to have a final plan approved by the school board in March and by a federal court in April.
Additional reporting for this story provided by Dan Carsen.
3 things to know about Trump’s plan to send troops to Portland and Memphis
President Trump ordered the deployment of troops to Portland and said he's authorized them to use "full force" to curb protests outside of ICE facilities.
Overseas Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Nathan Law denied entry to Singapore
The activist wanted by the Hong Kong government said he was denied entry to Singapore over the weekend for what he presumes were political reasons.
Moldova’s pro-EU party wins clear parliamentary majority, defeating pro-Russian groups
Moldova's pro-Western governing party won a clear parliamentary majority, defeating pro-Russian groups in an election that was widely viewed as a stark choice between East and West.
She felt abandoned — until a teacher’s hug reminded her she wasn’t alone
When she was in the sixth grade, Tanya Eby's world was unraveling. One day, overcome with grief, she cried in class — and her teacher, Mrs. Welch, wrapped Eby in a hug.
Neglected form of diabetes with unusual symptoms finally gets its own name
An unusual type of diabetes linked to malnutrition now has a name. Scientists are calling for wider recognition of the newly classified Type 5 diabetes to spur better treatments.
Prone to winter depression? Starting light therapy now can help
As daylight diminishes people can feel their mood dimming. In fact millions of U.S. adults experience seasonal affective disorder. Light therapy can help fend off winter depression, starting in the fall.