Greenville County Schools Proposes Boundary Changes for New Elementary School
Greenville, SC – Greenville County Schools (GCS) is planning to implement significant changes to student assignment boundaries in response to the construction of the new Reedy Laurel Elementary School. The proposed adjustments will affect approximately 900 students, of which around 600 students will be reassigned to the new school. These changes are aimed at accommodating the district’s growing student population and enhancing educational accessibility.
Who is Affected?
The recommended boundary changes will impact students from several existing elementary schools, including Mauldin Elementary, Pelham Road Elementary, and Sara Collins Elementary. As the new Reedy Laurel Elementary is set to open in August 2025, students in grades K5 through second will be initially assigned to the new institution, gradually expanding to include all grades through fifth by the 2028-29 school year.
Where Will the Changes Occur?
The new Reedy Laurel Elementary will be located at 61 Isbell Lane. The reassigned students from the schools mentioned earlier will now become part of the new school’s attendance area. Additionally, adjustments will help eliminate 18 “attendance islands”, which refer to areas not directly linked to a school’s main attendance zone.
When Will the Changes Take Place?
The proposed boundary changes are currently being reviewed, with a public feedback period open until September 24. The GCS administration will host public meetings regarding these changes, providing families with further opportunities to voice concerns or ask questions. Following the public input, a final plan will be submitted for review by the Committee of the Whole on October 8, and if the plan gets the go-ahead, it will be presented to the district’s Board of Trustees on October 22.
Why Are the Changes Necessary?
According to Tim Waller, director of media relations for GCS, attendance areas are evaluated on an as-needed basis. The district’s recommendation for the boundary changes comes amid the construction of the new school, which is critical for managing the increasingly overcrowded facilities and the growing student population. The adjustments are designed not only to optimize student assignments but also to address factors such as building capacity and transportation distance from students’ homes to their schools.
Special Considerations
For students with disabilities, the GCS Special Education Department will continue to make individual assignments. Families affected by the boundary changes will receive direct notifications from the district regarding their child’s new school assignments. Parents or guardians looking for more information can reach out via email to planning@greenville.k12.sc.us.
Looking Forward
The construction of Reedy Laurel Elementary represents a proactive measure by GCS to accommodate future growth within the district. As students transition to their new schools, the district aims to ensure a smooth process enriched by community feedback and thorough planning.
