Father frustrated by school zone, schools work to educate parents about district

DeWayne Hampton thought when he moved to his home on Pinetree Lane in July, his two children would attend Rockfield Elementary School, but he found out Monday, at the school’s open house his address is not zoned for that school. 

Hampton thought calling the district twice before moving rather than checking his future address on the district’s website would answer his question.

"I am disappointed because I moved here, you know I heard great things about Rockfield and I wanted my kids to go to Rockfield. I was under the impression that’s where they were going to go, and I never had a doubt because I confirmed twice. Now they’re saying it’s Lost River and it’s a big deal to me. It’s why I moved here." Hampton said.

Warren County Public Schools have worked in a variety of ways to educate the public on school boundaries with everything from meetings, letters to parents, the distribution of maps, messages and a parent forum prior to the start of this school year. 

"WCPS fully recognizes the sensitive nature of redistricting and has made every effort to be both thorough and transparent throughout our redistricting process," the school district said in a written statement. 

"WCPS has communicated with families through a variety of methods including district-wide and school-wide messages, a parent forum, board meetings, district/school websites, and written communication to families directly impacted by the proposed changes.  In addition, interactive maps were immediately updated on our district website after the WCPS Board of Education approved new boundary lines in February. School officials are required to follow the Board of Education’s in-district transfer policy and all processes were followed by the school," the statement read.

Like Hampton, many parents base their housing selection on schools. 

"Of course schools are always important. The school’s are very important to our economy. That’s why we are truly blessed in this area to have two great, outstanding school districts. So that continues to fuel our growth in this particular area."  Bowling Green real estate agent Charlene Raybold said.

The school system advises parents who interested in a particular school to speak to the department of pupil personnel prior to relocating. The district website also includes a place for someone to type in an address and the site will list the school that corresponds to that address. 

"WCPS encourages families to contact the district directly prior to purchasing new real estate or relocating to a new home to ensure accuracy of information. Staff members in our department of pupil personnel are trained and eager to assist families with any questions they may have," the district statement read.

For information on school zoning visit the school district website at http://www.warrencountyschools.org/.