Washington County Board of Education holds public hearing on proposed elementary attendance-zone changes

The Washington County Board of Education convened a public hearing to present proposed elementary school attendance-zone changes that would take effect in the 2027–28 school year, board staff said.

Mr. Criswell, a Washington County Public Schools staff member, told the audience the recommendations stem from a facility-enrollment advisory committee (PHEAC) charge to develop a new attendance zone for the new Downsville Pike Elementary and to study other elementary boundaries to ease enrollment pressures countywide. He said the committee met about eight times, reviewed roughly 22 options and posted its work and final report online; he added the superintendent supported the 14 recommendations the committee presented to the board in April.

Why it matters: the plan implements boundary changes after the district decided in June 2023 to close Hickory Elementary and Fountain Rock Elementary once Downsville Pike Elementary opens. The proposed changes affect elementary attendance zones across the county and would take effect in the 2027–28 school year if and when the board adopts them.

Criswell outlined the public process and schedule: the district is holding public hearings two nights (starting at 6 p.m.), and he said the board has tentatively scheduled a vote for the May 19 Washington County Board of Education meeting. “If you are uncomfortable talking or if you cannot attend the meetings, you can send your questions or comments to publicfeedback@wcps.k12.md.us,” Criswell said. He also noted the district posted PHEAC documents, the superintendent’s report and related presentations on the PHEAC web page and distributed links through the district’s mass-notification system.

Evans, who presided over the meeting, read the board’s public-comment policy (KD) aloud and summarized the rules for speakers: individual commenters are allotted three minutes and representatives of organizations are allotted five minutes. “Each speaker may speak for up to 3 minutes,” Evans said while reading the policy.

Criswell and Evans said the board’s policy requires the board to take action on attendance-zone realignments at least 90 days before the proposed effective date, and that the board was acting roughly a year ahead of the 2027–28 implementation. On the schedule for a final vote, Criswell said the presentation included both a reference to “6 days” and later to “60 days” in succession; the discrepancy was not resolved on the record.

No members of the public who were present at the microphone signed up to speak. Staff reminded attendees that maps of the proposed options were displayed in the back of the room and that staff were available to answer questions. After a 15-minute recess to allow late arrivals, the board reconvened, again opened the floor for public comment, heard none and adjourned, saying the hearing would continue the following night at the same time and location.

Next steps: the board may modify recommendations before any vote; if the board proceeds to a vote, the schedule announced at the hearing would determine when the changes could be adopted and take effect.