BPS Holds Final Boundary Forum | Video

Kristin Clouston | 1/24/2013

The Bismarck School board wants to finalize school boundaries on Monday and held a meeting Thursday night so parents could still give their input. Superintendent Tamara Uselman started out the meeting by telling parents they would have to re-district even without the new schools being built. in the fall, it was estimated there would be 270 new students a year for the next five years. That number is now 340.

There are 11,500 students in the Bismarck school district. Uselman says the district is going to do its best to keep elementary children close to home, but it won`t be possible for everyone.

"We do know some children have had a number of district initiated moves and we want to be gentle with them," says Uselman. "If there`s a way we can keep them where they are and if it works for their families, and it works for capacity."

The district is a month behind with registration and can`t start until the boundaries are in place. Parents wanting transfers will be able to request them in February, but will only get them once a school knows it has room.

Parent Sonda Schaff said, "A lot of kids from Roosevelt will end up getting transferred to Will-Moore, so there would be a lot less space. And in order to get my son to stay there, I need to put in the transfer really soon."

Many of the concerns have to do with the elementary boundaries and closing Riverside, but some parents are worried about space issues at Century High School.

"When we look at that area of town, how many kids are in that area of town and would be going to Century, which is the smaller high school, and we all know Bismarck is growing and that`s where all the new houses are being built, so realistically how is that going to work?" asked Jami Schwab.

They also just wanted to get information first hand.

Drew Sorge said, "I think they`re coming along. I can`t really complain about what they`re doing. I understand why they`re doing it. It`s just tough for families, I guess."

The boundary committee is made up of 60 volunteers and has a parent and employee from each school.

Member Kurt Ohnell explained, "We are passionate about it. We want to do the right thing. Can we fix every single thing, probably not. But with that said, give us a chance to look at it."

The boundary committee is meeting Friday to discuss the comments parents gave them. Any changes will be posted to the district`s website.http://www.bismarckschools.org/district/

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