Six school zones could change in Seminole County, and parents got to voice their concerns at a meeting Wednesday night.

  • Longwood Elementary School is reopening
  • Seminole County Schools considers rezoning plans  

Ellen Carlson knows how much her son Jack’s friends at school mean to him.

“I want him to be as comfortable and have as many nice relationships that last a long time as possible,” said Carlson.

But next school year, her son may not see those friends much anymore. Jack won’t likely have to move schools under the current plans Seminole County school administrators are considering for rezoning.  But Carlson says many of her son’s friends will likely have to.

“That’s really sad for them, and we’d really like to make sure, as much as possible, that everyone gets to stay together,” said Carlson.

So Carlson and dozens of other parents met with school officials on Wednesday night to tell them what they think about the rezoning plans currently on the table.

School administrators say thanks to expanding enrollment, they are re-opening Longwood Elementary, a school they were forced to close a few years ago following the economic downturn. They must now fill that school with students from six nearby elementary schools. The district has three possible plans drawn up, which were displayed on large poster boards at the meeting.

Several parents, like Carlson, said they moved to neighborhoods for a particular school.  But district officials say student learning won’t suffer, even if they have to change schools.

“Families can count on that the new school is going to be a wonderful community school they can be very proud of, and will have the programs the parents want,” said Michael Lawrence, a Seminole County Public School district spokesperson.

But Carlson still hopes the final plans don’t pull any of her son’s friends away from him to other schools.

“I think it’s important we do the plan that moves the least number of students, so it has the least impact on students who are already in schools as possible,” said Carlson.

SCPS has more information on the rezoning plans, including ways for parents to submit suggestions and ideas, on the school district's website.