Some proposed school rezoning changes in Pasco County have prompted student protests.
- Pasco students and parents upset over proposed school rezoning changes
- District forced to draw new school boundaries due to overcrowding
- Students and teachers wearing red in protest of the rezoning changes
Students and teachers at Mitchell High and Seven Springs Middle are wearing red to add their voice to the controversial rezoning plans that are being considered in southwest Pasco County.
School district officials say it is being forced to draw new boundaries to ease overcrowding at some schools and fill classrooms at others. The district's boundary committee is looking at several rezoning options that would force some students to move.
Parents are asking the committee to delay the decision, displaying its backup support with students and teachers wearing red.
Pasco County's school superintendent said the process is never easy, but it's necessary due to serious overcrowding issues. "Overcrowded schools do not present ideal safety or learning conditions. In addition some schools have capacity that needs to be filled. The district has not received money to build schools for all new communities and we have an obligation to use the resources we have wisely," said Kurt Browning.
One parent, Valerie Butchko, feels the committee isn't listening to what parents have to say. "It doesn't really matter what we're saying and our opinions. Everything keeps getting shot down and they keep telling us they want the parents to be involved, but then when the parents try to get involved they're not willing to listen to anything that anybodys saying," she said.
Parents are hoping that by seeing red, the district will take notice.
A final recommendation is expected to be made by the rezoning committee on Thursday. Once the committee makes its recommendation, there will be two public hearings.
Then the school board will vote on the final decision.