TULSA, Okla. — On Tuesday night parents met to learn about the re-districting plan at Union Public Schools.
A proposal was made to the board to move dozens of children from three elementary schools to a newer, expanding campus at Ellen Ochoa Elementary.
Parents of students at Boevers, Rosa Parks, and Clark Elementary Schools got notice this month that in the fall, about 250 students will likely make the change to call the new campus home.
"Even bullies. I'm scared about everything. He's my only child so I'd rather it be safe for him," said Rosa Parks parent Stephanie Griffin.
Griffin said she's concerned about uprooting children from what they know. But other parents said overcrowding has become an issue.
"Very overcrowded at the school. The school's way smaller than this one. The parking lot... we're on the main streets trying to get through there. It's really overcrowded at Clark," said Clark Elementary parent Christina Johnston.
Administrators said they began work at Ellen Ochoa when they started noticing problems, and they believe the new campus will offer a better learning experience.
"We created this school and designed it so not only is the classroom bigger but we're not using a lot of space for storage. We've created separate storage areas and we've also created rooms where you can open the doors up so you can use the hallway as a learning corridor," Associate Superintendent Charlie Bushyhead said.
Many parents that toured the campus felt relief, but said if the proposal is approved, it will be a transition.
"I don't want him to get here and have a problem with anything while trying to get adjusted to the new environment. I'm just trying to get a head start to talk him into it and let him know the procedure and what's going to go on for the new year," Griffin said.
The district does plan to spend the next few weeks getting feedback from the public before going to the board for final approval in March.
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