Parents speak about LSC redistricting

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - A taskforce decided to close Oakland Elementary school as part of school consolidation in 2004. Lafayette School Corporation decided to redistrict elementary boundaries to relieve overcrowding in the fall. Parents spoke to the school board about the decision to change their students' school.

Two parents spoke about the district's proposed changes to elementary boundaries.

"Oakland has been the the best school we've ever attended in Lafayette School Corporation," said Troy Corbin who has two students at Oakland. "It's a downer."

After Oakland closes, the boundaries to four schools will shift slightly. Only Glen Acres' and Vinton's boundaries will remain the same. Both fathers who commented to the board have students slated to attend Miller Elementary, but prefer their children go to Murdock. Dan Peer's child already attends Murdock and he wants stability in his education.

"I'll be able to keep in the same school until he has to go to another school. Now, I find out, beyond my means, we're going to shift him again. I don't want him shifted," said Peer.

Peer considers Murdock his neighborhood school. He can see the building from his house.

"It works with my work. I can drop him off to school on my way to work," said Peer.

Both fathers plan to request a transfer for their children from Miller to Murdock. Deputy Superintendent Bob Foreman said transfers will be considered if a school has room.

"If in fact the new school they want their child to attend has class sizes lower than the existing school," explained Foreman.

The board will take a final vote on the boundary changes in November.

Parents who decide to transfer their student must provide transportation to the school. Transfer applications are due by the end of the school year. Applications are available at the Office of Elementary Education.