Coral Springs students affected by Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School boundary changes could soon have a chance to return under a new policy proposal
Coral Springs, Florida – Coral Springs students displaced by boundary changes affecting Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School could soon have the opportunity to return to their original school, thanks to a proposed policy change currently being considered by the Broward Public School Board.
In April 2023, the Broward County School Board voted to adjust the boundaries of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School to address overcrowding. As a result, 351 students from Coral Springs were reassigned to Coral Glades High School. This move was made to alleviate the growing number of students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas, but it left many families concerned about their children’s education and the disruption of their school routines.
Now, the Broward School Board is considering a change that would allow these displaced students to receive preference for returning to Marjory Stoneman Douglas through the district’s school choice program. This would give affected students an opportunity to attend the school they were originally zoned for despite the boundary changes. The policy change, if approved, would offer a new avenue for families who are seeking to return their children to their previous school.
At a recent Coral Springs city commission meeting, City Manager Catherine Givens discussed the upcoming opportunity. She urged parents whose children were impacted by the boundary changes to advocate for the policy change at the next school board meeting, scheduled for April 15.
“This is an excellent opportunity to step up to ensure that those students who live in the re-boundary area receive priority for acceptance at that school,” Givens stated, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in the decision-making process.
The school choice program allows parents to apply for their children to attend a school other than the one assigned based on their residential address. Typically, this option is available for students who want to attend schools outside their designated zones, but the proposed change would offer a unique advantage to those affected by the boundary realignment.
The Coral Springs City Commission took action last month by passing a resolution requesting that the school board make the necessary policy change. The resolution was sparked by conversations within the community and statements made by district officials indicating that Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School may have available seats for the upcoming school year.
In her comments, Givens encouraged parents to take advantage of the school choice program’s late application window, which opens today and runs through August 22. The application process for school choice can be completed through the district’s website, where parents can find detailed instructions and additional information about the program.
City officials, including Givens, plan to attend the school board meeting in person to advocate for the affected families in Coral Springs. By attending the meeting, they hope to ensure that the voices of the community are heard and that a solution is found to help these students return to their original school.
The school board will meet at the Kathleen C. Wright Building in Fort Lauderdale, where they will discuss the proposed changes. The meeting is open to the public, and parents are encouraged to attend and make their voices heard on this important issue.
For many families in Coral Springs, the ability to return to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School would provide a sense of stability and continuity in their children’s education. As the proposal moves forward, city leaders and parents alike are hopeful that the change will make a positive impact on the local community, ensuring that students have access to the best educational opportunities available.
With the possibility of returning to their original school, Coral Springs families now have a renewed sense of optimism. As the school board prepares to make a final decision, all eyes will be on the April 15 meeting, where the future of these displaced students’ educational paths could be reshaped.
