K-5 Transition Information

For more than a decade, the district and community have discussed the need to realign elementary grades and facilities to better support students and families. Moving to a K–5 structure will:

• Improve continuity for students and families
• Support developmentally appropriate learning environments
• Balance class sizes and programming across both schools
• Strengthen access to Special Education and ESOL services
• Allow for more effective long-term growth planning
• Utilize district facilities and resources more efficiently

This shift supports our district’s commitment to Future Ready Learning for All.

To ensure community voice and transparency in the process, Piper USD 203 convened a Boundary Committee made up of parents, community volunteers, and district staff. The committee met on October 6, October 20, and November 3 and followed a structured review process guided by three core principles:

Guiding Criteria

• Data Driven: Enrollment, demographics, projections
• Student-Centered: Equity in special programs and services
• Transparent: Building community trust and incorporating feedback

The committee evaluated multiple options, studied enrollment trends, reviewed demographic data, and examined impacts on programming, class sizes, and future growth.

Meeting 1: October 6

• Reviewed district enrollment, demographic, and projection data
• Established evaluation criteria and committee norms
• Click here for the full presentation

Meeting 2: October 20

• Analyzed four initial boundary options
• Eliminated Option 1 due to significant equity and operational concerns
• Refined remaining models
• Click here for the full presentation

Meeting 3: November 3

• Conducted consensus voting to narrow from three options to two
• Selected Option 2 as the consensus recommendation
• Chose committee volunteers to present the recommendation to the BOE
• Click here for the full presentation

Board Workshops

The Board of Education held workshops on October 29 and December 1 to review data, ask clarifying questions, and ensure alignment with district priorities before the final decision.

After reviewing the committee’s work and the resulting data, the Board of Education approved Option 2 as the official K–5 attendance boundary plan. Click here for the full presentation. 

The committee identified Option 2 as the model that best met the district’s goals for balance, clarity, and equitable access to services.

Strengths of Option 2

• Clear and easy-to-understand boundary lines
• Balanced Free/Reduced Lunch distribution
• Strong alignment of Special Education services
• Supports clear communication for enrollment and new families

The transition to two K–5 elementary schools will begin for the 2026–2027 school year. Over the coming months, the district will:

• Finalize school assignments based on the approved boundary map
• Develop detailed transition and implementation plans
• Communicate information related to transportation, staffing, programming, and building supports
• Host family information sessions and Q&A opportunities

Families can expect additional updates beginning early 2026.