Easley Elementary Zone Changes considered

The Board of Trustees for the School District of Pickens County (SDPC) is considering options for changing the attendance lines for elementary schools in the Easley area. The changes the board is considering are designed with several issues in mind: to use school facilities more efficiently based on projected attendance and available space (East End Elementary is above recommended capacity, and its student population is projected to grow over the next five years, while Crosswell Elementary, Forest Acres Elementary, and West End Elementary all have capacity for greater enrollment); to improve car and bus transportation routes within school zones; to improve attendance; and to increase space for students to choice in to the upcoming McKissick Academy of Science & Technology from outside the McKissick attendance zone. The proposed changes were drawn not only based on current enrollment, but also with consideration of 10-year enrollment projections created by an independent demographic consulting firm. It is important to note that middle school and high school attendance patterns would not be changed by any of the proposals. The SDPC will be holding two informational meetings on Jan. 9, and Jan. 16, from 5:30-7:30pm at the Easley High School cafeteria. District administrators and board members will be present at the meetings to answer questions and listen to feedback. Also, the SDPC will be sending out an online survey about the proposed changes next month. The board plans to take a vote on the issue during its next regular monthly meeting on Jan. 22. To view a map of current attendance lines, maps of the proposed changes, as well as data concerning enrollment, capacity, and socio-economic impact of the proposals, visit www.pickens.k12.sc.us.