Overview

• The proposal reassigns 253 elementary students across Columbia, including about 74 from parts of Owen Brown Road and Merriweather to Clemens Crossing, 16 from Downtown Columbia to Running Brook, 125 from Clary’s Forest to Swansfield, and 38 in Hawthorn to Clemens Crossing.
• Exemptions would allow students with IEPs or Section 504 plans, students in active-duty military families, and rising fifth graders—about 42 at Bryant Woods—to remain at their current schools next year.
• Action on Centennial Lane is postponed as officials point to potential relief from future capacity at Hollifield Station and Manor Woods and seats added by the Dunloggin Middle renovation targeted for 2030–2031.
• The superintendent’s recommendation limits changes to elementary boundaries and leaves middle and high school assignments unchanged in this phase.
• Public hearings and board work sessions are scheduled through October and November, culminating in a Nov. 13 straw vote and a Nov. 20 final vote, as an organized parent group continues to oppose boundary changes.