Greenville County Set for School Boundary Changes
Greenville, SC – In an effort to better accommodate the growing student population, Greenville County Schools (GCS) has proposed significant changes to school boundaries that will affect around 900 students. These alterations are aimed at supporting the opening of the new Reedy Laurel Elementary School, which is currently under construction on the site of the former J.L. Mann High Academy.
Details of the Changes
The recommended plan, which includes 24 school boundary changes across elementary, middle, and high schools, foresees approximately 600 students reassigned to Reedy Laurel Elementary. Students from Mauldin Elementary, Pelham Road Elementary, and Sara Collins Elementary will be the main groups impacted by this shift.
“Attendance areas are regularly reviewed,” said Tim Waller, GCS’s director of media relations. “We adjust them to accommodate new schools and expansions.” The new school is designed to address the increasing number of students in the district.
Timeline and Implementation
Reedy Laurel Elementary is set to open its doors in August 2025, starting with grades K5 to 2nd grade and expanding to include all six grades by the 2028-29 school year. Students from this new school will progress to nearby middle schools including Dr. Phinnize J. Fisher Middle and Beck International Academy.
Additionally, the district plans to eliminate 18 “attendance islands,” areas disconnected from their primary schools, during this adjustment process. These changes also consider building capacity and transportation needs for students.
Community Engagement
The district is taking active steps to involve the community by notifying families of affected students directly. Parents with questions are encouraged to reach out via email to the planning department.
Public meetings have been scheduled to discuss these changes on:
- September 16 at Mauldin High Auditorium
- September 18 at Roper Mountain Science Center
- September 19 at MT Anderson Support Center
The GCS administration will gather input from these sessions to finalize a plan, which will be reviewed by the Committee of the Whole on October 8 and potentially put forth to the Board of Trustees for approval on October 22.
Impact on Schools
The proposed adjustments will affect several schools across the district, including:
- Augusta Circle Elementary: 0 students affected
- Mauldin Elementary: -238 students
- Pelham Road Elementary: -126 students
- Grove Elementary: -29 students
- And many others, totaling a diverse range of changes across the board.
For complete details and updates, residents can visit the GCS website. This transition appears to be a critical step towards improving educational facilities in Greenville County.
