Pender Co. Schools to rezone schools, parents asked to give input

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — If your children are students in the Pender County School System they may be heading to a new school this fall.

The Pender County Board of Education has proposed rezoning several schools in the area to alleviate overcrowding.

“I’m actually excited about it because the school that my son will be going to will be closer to us,” parent, Lindsay Guy said.

The board is proposing to change the current zoning of North Topsail Elementary, South Topsail Elementary, Topsail Elementary, and Topsail Middle School.

“I know that there are a ton of kindergarten classes here at North Topsail and so I think it’ll be good just to have a fresh start and smaller classes hopefully,” Guy said.

This move comes as Surf City elementary and middle schools will open its doors to nearly 1,600 students in August. While some parents worry about uprooting their kids and having to drive further distances, others are happy with the proposal.

“I’m actually kind of excited just because it is closer and it will be a fresh start,” Guy said. “And since he’ll be going into first grade it won’t be that much of a change for him.”

With Surf City elementary and middle schools being in the same building it makes things easier for parents like Lindsay Guy.

“I have two other kids so it’ll be nice to have them all in the same area and same school for one time,” Guy said.

Other parents said the proposed district lines are confusing and need work.

In the current proposal, South Topsail and Topsail Elementary would feed into Topsail Middle School. Whereas North Topsail Elementary and Surf City Elementary School would feed into Surf City Middle School.

The board held a meeting for parents Tuesday night at North Topsail Elementary. If you would like to voice your concerns or thoughts the board is holding a second meeting Wednesday, December 6 at 6:30 p.m. at South Topsail Elementary.