FOX45 News: AACPS parents outraged over redistricting process, say students being denied support
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (CITC) — Anne Arundel County parents are raising concerns over the school district’s upcoming redistricting process, with some asserting officials have done little to help students struggling with the transitions.
Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) will begin the first phase of a redistricting process this fall. Attendance boundaries at dozens of schools are being redrawn with the goal of getting more building populations below 100% capacity.
Areas impacted by the first phase of redistricting include Glen Burnie, Chesapeake and Old Mill, among several others, according to the district’s website. AACPS will also open both a new elementary school and high school in August.
The redistricting plan was approved by the AACPS Board of Education in November after parents expressed concerns during multiple public hearings over potential impacts to student mental health and performance. Superintendent Mark Bedell assured families at the time support would be provided to students undergoing transitions. However, some at Tuesday’s school board meeting alleged that promise has not been fulfilled.
“I’m deeply concerned about the mental health of students transitioning to new schools this coming year,” Shelly Carter, a Glen Burnie mom, said. “Despite assurances from AACPS staff about support, I haven’t seen any help offered after the school year has ended.”
When will this support be provided?” the mom asked. “It should have been in place before their moves.”
Carter, whose son just finished his sophomore year of high school, went on to say some AACPS parents have recently sought out-of-area transfers. She claims those parents have provided documentation from pediatricians showing the negative impact redistricting will have on their children’s mental health. However, Carter alleges the district has denied those requests “solely because of impending redistricting.”
AACPS Chief Communications Officer Bob Mosier told Crisis in the Classroom (CITC) the health and safety of students and staff is the district’s top priority, which “includes their mental wellbeing.”
Effective student support around any issue is best done on an individual or family basis and not with a blanket one-size-fits-all approach,” he said. “We have said throughout the process that Student Support Services personnel, including counselors and school psychologists, are available at all schools to assist in any transitions.”
Mosier added such resources continue to be available to AACPS families, noting any interested parents “should reach out to their student’s school for assistance.”
Ferndale dad John Ray echoed Carter’s sentiments Tuesday, saying his son is being “forcibly denied” the opportunity to grow through the redistricting process.
“My son is being put at an immediate disadvantage with other students. He is being denied equitable outcome because of where we live,” Ray said.
AACPS saw a 9.9% enrollment increase between 2010 and 2020, according to Maryland Department of Planning data. Student enrollment is projected to surge by an additional 9.3% by 2030. On Thursday, the AACPS Board of Education approved a $1.69 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which includes 93 positions to staff the two new schools being opened.