Washington County, Tennessee, parents are anxiously awaiting word of what schools their kids will attend next school year. The county recently approved its first complete redistricting in more than 30 years. It’s making way for two new elementary schools, which will wrap up construction this summer. Although redistricting could be tough on many parents and students, the district says it tried to make as little of an impact as possible. Still, about 1,600 students will changes schools in Fall 2008. Many students will head to the new schools, others will transfer among the current schools.

Washington County is trying to make the transition easier. Parents should mark their calenders for two public meetings about the redistricting within the next month. They will be held January 29th at David Crockett High School and February 12th at Daniel Boone. Both will begin a 7 pm. The district also says it will make things easier by being flexible when it comes to parents’ preferences. Director of Schools Grant Rowland says as long as the schools are not overcrowded, the district will address requests for changes on a case-by-case basis.

This story made me wonder what it would be like to be a parent curious if my kids would be uprooted. It can’t be an easy situation. Still, it sounds like Washington County is going to work with parents to make the transition as smooth as possible. For many, even the decision of open enrollment is a tough one. One parent we spoke with has two kids that attend Gray Elementary School (one in Kindergarten, one in Second Grade). Her kids love their current school and so does that parent, still she doesn’t hide her excitement about the possibility of sending her kids to a brand new school. If she had her choice, what would it be? I’m not sure she knows. If you could send your kids to a new school or keep them at their current one, which would you choose?