School board approves policy for school attendance area and boundary changes

The Edmonds School District Board approved a new policy on September 9 to adjust school attendance areas and boundaries, responding to demographic changes and the construction of new schools. This policy is designed to accommodate the new College Place Middle School and balance enrollment across elementary schools. Board President Nancy Katims criticized state-mandated curriculum policies, stating they may overlook the district's unique needs. During public comments, Lynnwood resident Joe Olson raised concerns about a transportation policy that requires parents to transport children on waivers, creating a hardship for many families. Olson emphasized that the policy disproportionately affects parents who cannot afford the time to provide transportation, potentially forcing them to withdraw their children from advanced programs.

Heather Glude echoed these concerns, labeling the transportation policy as unsustainable for working families due to increased time and costs. The board will revisit discussions on policies addressing bilingual education and curriculum alignment in future meetings. This ongoing dialogue reflects the board's commitment to addressing community concerns while adapting to changing educational needs.