Polygons are geographic areas that can follow physical features, such as streets and water features, or subdivision or property boundaries. A polygon is a planning unit used to assign housing and student population projections for purposes of boundary reviews. These units can be assembled into attendance areas to model boundary scenarios. The terms “polygon”, “planning area” and “planning unit” may be used interchangeably.
HCPSS reviews school attendance areas each year to balance school capacities with enrollments but actual attendance area adjustments are less frequent. Rapid growth in Howard County requires the school system to consider adjustment of school attendance areas to balance capacity utilization across regions. Additionally, boundaries are reviewed when new capacity is added through building additions and when a new school is opening. The county has opened 22 new schools in the last 30 years.
To continue meeting the growing need to feed hungry children and families in Howard County and fill the nutritional gap over the summer months, the Howard County Public School System announces its free summer meal program, which will run weekdays June 27-Aug. 12, 2022. Full details are available online.
Any changes in school attendance areas as a result of this redistricting process will take effect at the start of the 2023-2024 school year. Transition planning begins in December 2022, to implement the Board decision scheduled to be made in November.
On November 17, 2022, the Board of Education finalized its Attendance Area Adjustment Plan related to the redistricting process to open New High School #13. Additionally, the Board voted to exempt several student groups from the redistricting decision, allowing them the option of remaining at their current school or attending the newly assigned school.
Full details can be found online.
The process for redistricting for the 2023-2024 school year began in January 2022 with the Board of Education directive that HCPSS initiate the boundary review process. The process timeline is scheduled to run from March through November 2022, with Board approval. Support for students will continue through that school year until changes take effect with the 2023-2024 school year.
On January 27, 2022, the Board of Education directed that HCPSS initiate the boundary review process outlined in Policy 6010 School Attendance Areas. This review will include boundary modifications to establish an attendance area for New High School #13.
