In Bartow, Florida, the Polk County School Board is poised to make a significant decision on Tuesday regarding the contentious plan to rezone the district’s high schools.

District officials have noted that the area’s rapid population growth has led to enrollment challenges in many schools. Local parent Ruth Santiago commented, “I think it’s a good idea.”

During the upcoming meeting, board members will address the proposed changes to high school boundaries and examine a report detailing potential rezoning for the county’s middle schools.

The decision on high school rezoning follows numerous feedback sessions involving both parents and community stakeholders.

Stephanie Yocum from the Polk Education Association highlighted the issue, stating, “We’re experiencing rapid growth in the suburbs surrounding Tampa and Orlando, causing overcrowding on the edges, while central areas remain underutilized. We need a comprehensive rezoning strategy for the entire district, starting with our high schools.”

According to a presentation by the district, Tenoroc High School is at 62% capacity while Haines City High School is at 127% capacity.

“You have to be able to alleviate those outskirts of those zones into Tenoroc or into Lake Region to make sure that we’re fully utilizing those buildings and then give relief to those others,” describes Yocum.

Some parents worry about the effects of students switching schools. Santiago said the change is inevitable and believes it’s for the best.

“They’re short-staffed. I did see in the middle school my daughter had it sometimes, a bunch of substitutes. They didn’t have enough teachers,” Santiago said.