HISD could rezone schools to ease overcrowding

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Houston ISD officials faced with overcrowding in some classrooms could soon re-zone students from nearly two dozen elementary schools. The new boundary plans are necessary to comply with Texas Education Agency standards.

The plan was announced Thursday morning during a school board meeting.

Last year, HISD was forced to ask for nearly 1,500 waivers from the TEA because they exceeded the state's 22 student cap size. Holly Huffman, a spokesperson with the district said in some rare instances some classrooms have more than 30 students.

"We want to reduce the class size waivers that we are submitting and as a result reduce classroom overcrowding we want to comply with the state," said Huffman.

The elementary schools that are currently seeing overcrowding are Burbank, Bush, Daily, Lyons, Smith, Tinsley, Walnut Bend, Young and Halpin Early Childhood Center.

The elementary schools that currently have space and could see an increase in their enrollment to help alleviate nearby overcrowded schools are Anderson, Ashford, Bastian, Highland Heights, Kelso, Love, Memorial, Northline and Shadowbriar.

HISD officials plan to host several community meetings to discuss the plan with parents and allow them to weigh in on the proposal.

A final decision will be made in March. The changes in boundaries will take place in the fall of 2015.