Developer consultants tell commission local schools can absorb projected students from Ridge Point plan

The applicant’s school and fiscal consultant briefed the planning commission on projected school impacts for the Ridge Point concept. The consultant said district studies by GKL Architects and Sundance Consultants used 2024 baseline data and identified about 8,092 K–12 students in the district; the district’s practice capacity was cited as roughly 10,754. The consultant summarized: “Based off the 20 24 numbers... they had 8,092, children enrolled as k through 12.”

Using conservative household‑to‑child rates, the consultant said either option would generate an estimated 57–64 additional school‑age children, and argued the district’s planned improvements and current utilization levels (Evans Elementary ~76% utilized) mean the schools can accommodate the growth. Commissioners asked for the consultant’s underlying assumptions and called for independent verification as the rezoning and ordinance drafting continue.