The Board developed a scope in February 2025, received the Boundary Review Report in July 2025 (3 scenarios) and will receive the Superintendent's Proposal in September 2025. The Board may elect to approve one of the scenarios presented, develop a new idea or postpone chan
Since HCPSS intends to meet the needs of every PreK-12 student at their assigned school whenever possible, and the Blueprint for Maryland’s future requires an expansion of PreK services, HCPSS will not be relocating PreK classes to address capacity needs at this time.
In 2021, the Maryland State Legislature passed the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, legislation that codified the recommendations of the Maryland Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education (Kirwan Commission). This law aims to:
The Boundary Review Process for the 2026–2027 School Year web page is regularly updated.
Designated non-transportation areas are established by the HCPSS Office of Student Transportation in accordance with Board of Education Policy 5200 Student Transportation. The approved distances are utilized as the starting point for the establishment of these areas for each school. The route to school that falls within this distance must meet a reasonable level of safety. This involves the evaluation of adequate sight distance, suitable pathways and crossings, and even considers long-term construction projects.
Bryant Woods, Running Brook, Swansfield, Longfellow, Clemens Crossing and Centennial Lane elementary schools all have Columbia Association before and after school care programs with varying capacities. They offer reregistration opportunities in the spring annually for currently enrolled families at that program and their incoming siblings.
The community feedback received over the summer will inform staff as the Superintendent’s proposal is being developed. The Superintendent's Proposal will be made available on BoardDocs under the September 25, 2025, meeting agenda in time for the presentation. As is the typical process, the community will not receive any reports prior to the Board receiving the reports.
As defined by Policy 6010 – School Attendance Areas, the Board will consider school attendance area adjustments whenever one or more conditions exists, including school attendance area projections are outside the capacity utilization range of 90-110% and available capacity exists. The Board may consider changes in boundaries and then decide to either apply changes in boundaries or continue to maintain the existing boundaries.
While many ideas are possible, staff limited thorough development of scenarios to the three ideas in the July 17, 2025, Boundary Review Report. There are other ideas that could be developed into scenarios within the Board's scope. Community feedback will inform staff as the Superintendent’s proposal is being developed.
