Boundary Review Process Continues with Upcoming Work Sessions and Public Hearings

October 1st, 2025

On October 9, the Howard County Board of Education will begin a series of public hearings and work sessions as a next step in the boundary review process for the 2026-2027 school year to consider redistricting selected schools, including Bryant Woods, Running Brook, Swansfield, Longfellow, Clemens Crossing and Centennial Lane elementary schools. Wilde Lake, Harper’s Choice and Burleigh Manor middle schools, as well as Centennial and Wilde Lake high schools also are included to allow adjustments to feeds.

As part of their considerations, the Board will evaluate several factors, including but not limited to current and projected crowding in schools, the use of portable classrooms, the socioeconomic makeup of school communities, relevant planned capital projects, and future opportunities to relieve crowding.

The Board was presented with three potential scenarios on July 17, 2025, and HCPSS Superintendent Bill Barnes presented a fourth possibility on September 25, 2025, that limited considerations to relieve crowding in West Columbia schools.

The Boundary Review process is guided by Policy 6010 School Attendance Areas to consider redistricting selected schools that are outside the capacity utilization range of 90-110%.

Next Steps and Opportunities for Feedback

Community members wishing to testify at public hearings may pre-register by telephone (410-313-7194 or 410-313-1584) or online three weeks prior to a hearing through 4:30 p.m. of the last working day prior to the public hearing.

Public hearings are scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 9 during the 4 p.m. session of the Board of Education meeting and Thursday, Nov. 6 during the 7 p.m. session. Anyone signed up to testify at a public hearing may do so virtually or in person.

Written testimony may be submitted to the Board via email to redistricting@hcpss.org or via USPS mail to Howard County Board of Education, 10910 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042. Official testimony will be accepted until 48 hours prior to the meeting at which the Board is scheduled to take action. A final decision on any changes in school boundaries for the 2026-2027 school year is scheduled to be made by the Board on Nov. 20, 2025.

More information about the boundary review process for the 2026-2027 school year may be found online.