Dear North Allegheny K-4 Parents/Guardians,
This past October, the North Allegheny School District Board of School Directors voted on a final plan to redraw the boundaries for Elementary and Middle Schools for the 2020-2021 school year. These redistricting efforts support our continued growth in student enrollment, help balance the capacity in each of our school buildings, and allow us to utilize the additional space being created through the expansion of Franklin Elementary.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the ultimate closure of all North Allegheny school buildings for the final three months of the 2019-2020 school year,
the plan to redistrict students currently in grades K-4 has been delayed for one year. Current K-4 students will continue to attend their current school for the 2020-2021 school year rather than their redistricted school. Redistricting for students currently in grades 5, 6, and 7 will be implemented as planned for the start of the 2020-2021 school year. NASD will honor the continuation option for current 6th and 7th grade students who elected to remain in their current school.
This decision to delay elementary redistricting was carefully considered, but ultimately a few factors weighed heavily in coming to this conclusion.
- Due to the pandemic, it is difficult to be sure that the addition to Franklin Elementary will be ready for the start of the 2020-2021 school year. While construction has resumed, the project was initially shut down due to the school closures and the progress is now slower due to social distancing and safety efforts, and may be impacted further if construction restrictions are reinstituted at some point during the summer. It is also unclear if scheduled equipment and supply deliveries in the coming months will be delayed due to the global impact on the supply chain.
- We understand the importance of effectively transitioning students to a new school building whenever redistricting occurs. Due to the current situation, it is becoming more and more challenging to do this in a way that supports our students and families.
- It is unclear what school may look like when the 2020-2021 school year begins in the fall.
We understand that childcare is an important part of the school experience for many of our students and families. The District is aware of childcare concerns with this revised plan and will reach out to families who were slated to be redistricted for the 2020-2021 school year to investigate possible solutions related to childcare. This communication will be sent to families by May 15, 2020.
North Allegheny continues to be committed to approaching redistricting in a manner that is supportive of all involved. Questions can be emailed to
redistricting@northallegheny.org. Please continue to pay close attention to your email for future communications regarding redistricting plans. Transition activities for the 2021-2022 school year for students who will be in grades K-4 will be shared throughout the 2020-2021 school year. Thank you for your patience and understanding. We wish you and your family well during this difficult time.
Respectfully,
North Allegheny School District
