CONCORD, N.C. — Nearly 4,000 students will be reassigned to new schools according to a redistricting plan that was approved by the Cabarrus County Board of Education on Monday.
Three scenarios were up for consideration during Monday's meeting. Leadership recommending moving forward with "Scenario C," which will reassign students at 13 elementary schools, seven middle schools and five high schools.
The meeting’s public comment period was filled with upset parents, neighbors and even a student. Most of them said the redistricting plan should have undergone changes after public input, saying it's not a sustainable option.
"Rushing to finalize the realignment without due consideration for alternative options, it’s concerning," resident Michelle Morrison said.
There's also concern about the disruption to the lives of students and families.
"Ever since I found out that the rezoning was even a possibility, I've been more stressed than I have been in a while," one student said at the meeting. "It's taken the joy out of knowing that there's room to grow at Cox Mill, whether it's with the clubs or on a class pathway."
The board ultimately voted 4-to-3 to move forward with the redistricting plan.
Those in favor of redistricting argue that the community had its chance to provide feedback when the scenarios were first presented.
"I do not love everything in this plan," board member Pamela Escobar said. "But I know it's been vetted and people had an opportunity to weigh in and share if they support it."
Superintendent John Kopicki also spoke up at Monday night's meeting, saying it's not perfect, but it's better than what the district's doing now.
"Without question, I fully believe and am completely confident that the recommendation that sits before you after a year's worth of homework, research, working with consultants, working with our own team that it is a better path forward for our school system," Kopicki explained.
Meanwhile, as Beverly Hills Elementary School is set to close as part of the redistricting plan, a replacement school — R. Brown McAllister Elementary School — is still on track to finish construction this spring and open in time for the 2024-25 school year.
Contact Destiny Richards at drichards5@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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