Mead SD boundary lines: no final answer until fall

MEAD, Wash. — The Mead school district is growing, and with two new schools on the way, the district is exploring new boundary lines. It’s a process that’s causing stress for many families.

The district estimates that hundreds of elementary students will need to be relocated in order to fill a new elementary and middle school once they open in fall 2020. For students, that means new teachers, new friends, and possibly a longer bus ride.

“Both of our kids have been asking a lot where they are going to go to middle school, where they are going to go to high school,” said Mead parent Stafanie Lessig.

The district’s boundary committee has spent several months considering all options that will have the smallest impact. One possible solution is to relocate 475 kids — the majority of them from Prairie View Elementary to one of the new schools.

But Mead Assistant Superintendent Ralph Thayer said the district became aware of extra state dollars near the end of February. Thayer said there’s a good chance it will be enough money to build a third new school, which would send the boundary committee back to the drawing board. Thayer told parents at an informational meeting Wednesday at Mead High School that final boundary plans may not be complete until next fall.

The district should know by June whether or not a third school will be built. In the meantime, district officials are asking parents for feedback. Mead families are encouraged to submit comments and concerns online, you can click here to do so.

A second informational meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 20 at 6:30 p.m. inside Mt. Spokane High School.

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