As a member of the Ledgestone community, the issue of maintaining our current school zoning is deeply personal.  This goes beyond policies; it affects the lives and futures of our young learners, who will be greatly disrupted by any move. The present zoning allows our children to attend Sycamore Springs Elementary School (SSES), an institution that has proven to enrich not just our kids' academic growth, but also their interpersonal development.

The case to maintain Ledgestone's current zoning to SSES is strong and aligns with the districts goals:

• Efficient Utilization and Proximity: Ledgestone is a built-out neighborhood with relatively stable enrollment figures and projected student numbers below the district’s high-growth average. The demographic study indicates fewer than 70 elementary-aged children in Ledgestone, with future projections showing a potential enrollment decline over the next decade. These figures suggest that keeping Ledgestone in the SSES zone would not strain capacity, aligning with the committee's goal to optimize existing facilities without overcrowding other campuses.
• Future School Construction Deferral: By maintaining Ledgestone’s current zoning, the district can focus its construction planning on rapidly expanding areas, particularly on the west side of the district where significant housing developments are expected. These high-growth areas, rather than Ledgestone, will drive future overcrowding issues and the need for new schools. Zoning Ledgestone away from SSES to another campus would displace existing students without meaningfully impacting enrollment numbers or construction timelines.
• Community Stability and Minimizing Rezoning Disruptions: Ledgestone has faced multiple zoning changes over recent years, causing disruptions to students and families. This mature, stable community has built strong ties with SSES teachers, staff, and administrators, and a third zoning change since 2020 would negatively impact students’ social and academic continuity. Maintaining Ledgestone’s zoning with SSES preserves these relationships and provides stability, aligning with the committee’s goal to minimize the frequency of rezoning.
• Neighborhood Cohesion and Preference: Additionally, if Ledgestone is zoned to Rooster Springs Elementary, these kids will be the only students (minus kids on Rugged Earth Dr.) outside of the Belterra subdivision to attend this school. Historically Rooster Springs has only allowed Belterra residents, making this small group of kids the only outsiders in a tightly knit community.  Additionally, there are several neighborhoods who have voiced their opinions to be zoned to different schools, so accommodating those neighborhoods’ requests along with Ledgestone is possible.

In summary, retaining Ledgestone’s zoning to Sycamore Springs Elementary ensures efficient facility use, defers new school construction, reduces rezoning disruptions, and respects proximity and community unity. This approach provides stability for Ledgestone families and is consistent with the committee’s strategic goals for thoughtful and effective attendance zoning.