Excelsior Springs, MO – The Excelsior Springs School Board has officially approved a change to the boundary lines of its elementary schools, a decision that will see approximately 25 students moving from Lewis Elementary to Elkhorn Elementary starting in the fall of 2024. This move comes ahead of the opening of the new Lewis Elementary building, planned for January 2025, and aims to create more equitable class sizes across the district’s three elementary schools.
Superintendent Jaret Tomlinson expressed that the adjustment was necessary to balance class sizes and make use of the district’s resources effectively. “The elementary boundary change was necessary to make class sizes more equitable between our three elementary buildings,” said Tomlinson. He also highlighted the benefits of the timing, stating, “The timing seemed to be right so that students could transition at the beginning of next school year and alleviate Lewis class sizes in the mobile classrooms. We also felt that having Crystal Lakes students attend the same school would help to keep students from the same community together throughout their elementary school years.”
The boundary change will incorporate the west side of Crystal Lakes Homestead and homes up Y Hwy and everything east of Y Hwy North of 146th Street into the Elkhorn Elementary attendance area (see map below).
In preparation for the transition, the Excelsior Springs School District held a town hall meeting on March 14, 2024, where district administrators, transportation representatives, and staff were present to address concerns and answer questions from the families affected by the change. Dr. Jennifer Harris, the principal at Elkhorn Elementary, expressed optimism about the change, especially with the new Lewis Elementary building on the horizon. “With the new school building, Lewis Elementary, opening next school year, I felt the time was right,” said Harris. She also shared that the open house saw positive responses from almost all families in attendance, signaling strong community support for the move.
Dr. Harris also reassured families about the support Elkhorn Elementary will provide during this transition. “As the proud Principal of Elkhorn Elementary, I recognize that change can be difficult. As we work together to form our school-family partnership, I want you to know that I am available to help in any way that I can to help with this transition,” she stated in a letter to the Tiger families affected by the change.
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The former HS/Elementary Wyman School building is so regal with large playgrounds that could accommodate parking! Curious, Any plans in the works?