D.C. School Officials Redrawing Residential Boundaries

D.C. public school officials are about to redraw residential boundaries for the first time since the 1970s -- an emotional and complex task could shape city schools for decades to come and determine whether families stay in their homes or move.

Parent’s concerns are simple. Middle schools trail improvements in elementary schools. High schools are behind, too. D.C.'s growing number of parents may be tempted to leave if improvements don't come faster.

D.C. Council Education Chairman David Catania praises reforms but is pushing for more to make the boundary shifts less troubling to parents.

“I've been kind of surprised at the level of inequality,” he said.

Schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson said new programs will help but redrawing lines is complicated.

“If we're honest with ourselves, there are issues of class and race, where people live people want neighborhood schools, but our neighborhoods are not diverse,” she said.

After public hearings in late spring, a final plan is due in September for the 2015 school year.

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