Parents weigh in on zoning options for Highland Springs Middle

GRANITEVILLE, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - Aiken County school district leaders are meeting with parents on zoning for the new Highland Springs Middle School.

The community feedback will help ultimately decide which kids will be able to go to the school once it opens.

The school board is considering four zoning options. They say all options take into consideration travel time, proximity, demographics of students, and enrollment balance.

• Option one draws students from all four schools, allowing them to stay at their current school or transfer to Highland Springs if necessary.
• Option two draws students from Paul Knox and North Augusta, only moving them to Highland Springs if necessary.
• Option five draws students from all four schools and evenly distributes them.
• Option six draws students from Paul Knox and North Augusta, distributing them evenly as well.

Some parents are concerned about travel time to school, and others are concerned about the lack of access to technology resources.

Those are just two topics coming out of Wednesday’s town hall meeting.

“I think it was very informative. I think there are still some questions that probably need to be answered by those who weren’t in attendance. I’m looking forward to what the North Augusta crowd has to say tomorrow,” said Dallas Frazier, parent

One of the biggest concerns is the possibility of the votes from Thursday’s meeting overshadowing the votes from Wednesday.

Amber Holly is making a point of attending both meetings.

“I’m gonna come to every meeting because I think all kids need the availability for equal education. If that means coming over here to the Valley, which I do not care, or going over to North Augusta tomorrow, I’m off three days, why not,” she questioned.

Parents were able to ask questions and answer questions the school board has about their concerns with the zoning options.

Holly is just hoping the school board makes the right decision.

“I just hope this pans out where everybody benefits from it,” she said.

Thursday’s meeting is at North Augusta High School at 6:30 p.m.

For parents who were not able to attend the meetings, can still submit feedback online.

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