On Monday, February 19, dozens of parents and staff from Fremont Elementary, Northeast Elementary, and Northwest Elementary attended a district information session to learn more about the redistricting process for the newly constructed Fremont Elementary.
Attendees were given information about two draft boundary map options and potential enrollment sizes based on each option. The two draft options were developed by Cropper GIS Consulting, LLC, which specializes in demographic and facility planning for K-12 school systems, cities, counties, and federal agencies.
“This information session was the first step in getting input from families who may be impacted by redistricting” states Dr. Marc Whichard, superintendent. “Those who attended had the opportunity to view two draft boundary map options, ask questions, and weigh in on the potential options. For the next 30 days, the maps will be available online along with an opportunity to provide input. "
DRAFT Option 1 essentially covers the top east to west portion of Wayne County [PDF Download Link].
DRAFT Option 1 would give the new Fremont Elementary an estimated enrollment of 548 students and a 73% building utilization rate.
DRAFT Option 2 essentially dips southward towards the Buck Swamp community and the Tommy’s Road Elementary border [PDF Downloadable Link].
DRAFT Option 2 would give the new Fremont Elementary an estimated enrollment of 645 students and an 86% building utilization rate.
In both draft options, populations would be reduced at Northeast Elementary and Northwest Elementary to eliminate overcrowding and the need for mobile classrooms.
NOTE: The feedback period ended on March 20.
Background: Wayne County has received $30 million in grant funding through the North Carolina Needs-Based Public School Grant Funds for the construction of the Fremont Elementary school. It is important to note that the school will be able to accommodate more than three times as many students as the current school of approximately 230 students, which will be vital for helping address K-3 class-size needs in northern Wayne County. It will also have energy efficient HVAC systems, upgraded furniture and technology, and advanced safety and security features. The school district broke ground on the project in August 2022. The school will officially open in August 2024.