Farragut parents, administrators concerned about possible re-zoning

Farragut parents, administrators concerned about possible re-zoning

November 28, 2006

By ADAM LONGO
6 News Reporter

FARRAGUT (WATE) -- In just over a week, the Knox County School Board is scheduled to vote on zoning for the new Hardin Valley High School. But no matter where the lines are drawn, there's heightened concern that every student in West Knox County could be affected.

A letter began circulating Monday urging parents to take a stand and voice concerns about the number of kids potentially being taken from Farragut High School due to the proposed zoning changes.

Many people fear that if you take away too many students, the number of AP courses, electives and even some extra circular activities could be cut as well.  

"It doesn't make any sense to me as a tax payer to cannibalize one school for the benefit of the other," Pamela Treacy says.

She's been following the proposals for Hardin Valley High very closely. She says at the last meeting, several school board members didn't think Dr. Charles Lindsey's zoning proposal went far enough. It would reduce Farragut High from 2,200 students to 1,400.  

"The less students you have, the less programs you can offer. The less AP classes you can offer," Treacy says. 

And she may be right. Farragut High Principal Mike Reynolds says it really is a numbers game. "It's more than just football playing in a different division. When you start getting below 1,500, then you start cutting sections of classes and eventually you have to phase out programs, too." 

Farragut band director Ron Rogers started circulating a letter to parents. He fears if enrollment drops below 1,400, the fine arts would be first on the chopping block.  

"Once you start cutting school size, you are also cutting class size and staff, etc. and they might be put in a situation where the fine arts kids have to make some pretty tough choices," Rogers says.

Remember, the intention of building a new school was to relieve overcrowding.

Lindsey is expected to reveal his next, and possibly final, proposal Monday night. Board members are scheduled to vote Wednesday night.

6 News Anchor Kristin Farley contributed to this report.