During the Houston County Board of Education meeting on January 11, a drafted zoning proposal was introduced that will affect all students of Lindsey Elementary, a small number of students at Westside Elementary, and some students at Northside Middle and Thomson Middle. All proposed changes would take place beginning at the start of the 2022-2023 school year.

Elementary School Proposal

District officials announced plans to open the R.W. Lindsey Student Support Center in the existing Lindsey Elementary School building. If approved, this center will provide key support services during the school day and after school hours.

“This center will give students and parents access to programs dedicated to early learning and literacy,” said Dr. Mark School, Superintendent of Schools for Houston County. “The R.W. Lindsey Student Support Center will provide services aimed at educating the whole child, such as mental health services, learning support for students, and parent resources. The center will also offer space to community partners, giving parents easy access to key programs under one roof.”

Under the proposal, approximately 240 students currently attending Lindsey Elementary would be rezoned for either Northside Elementary, Parkwood Elementary, or Westside Elementary beginning next school year.  

In addition, approximately 30 students currently zoned for Westside Elementary would shift to either C.B. Watson Primary or Pearl Stephens Elementary beginning next school year.  This change will allow these students to remain with their classmates as they transition to middle school.

Middle School Proposal

Also announced was a plan that affects Thomson Middle and Northside Middle. Under this new proposal, approximately 225 students from each school would move to the middle school closer to their home and community beginning next school year. 

“When planning school zones, or school zone changes, numerous factors are taken into consideration,” said Dr. Scott. “These changes will allow students to attend school with their community. As part of this process, we are hosting a meeting where students and parents will meet the principals and learn more about the schools.”

Community Meetings

Three parent meetings will be held regarding these proposed zoning changes. Parents of currently enrolled students within these zones will be mailed a letter with details of the meeting and how the zoning changes will affect their family.

The Lindsey Elementary School zoning meeting will be held on Thursday, January 20 at 5:30 p.m. in the cafeteria at Lindsey Elementary School. The Westside Elementary School zoning meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 1 at 5:30 p.m. in the cafeteria at Westside Elementary School. Lastly, the middle school zoning meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 1 at 5:30 p.m. in the auditorium at Northside High School. 

The Board will vote on the proposed school zone changes during the February Board meeting, which will be held on February 8 at 1:00 p.m. in Perry at central office. 

The proposed zoning maps are posted at each school and are available at www.hcbe.net.