FAQ

HOW DID THE DISTRICT DETERMINE THE PROPOSED BOUNDARY LINES?

Logan County Schools used geographic information system (GIS) mapping to combine student enrollment data with local and state map databases. Population density, geography, and bus routes were primary factors.


WHY IS IT IMPORTANT THAT SCHOOL POPULATIONS ARE SIMILAR?

The closer a school operates to its capacity, the more efficient it becomes. Additionally, the school district’s funding is often tied to each school’s student population. Significant differences in enrollment between schools can lead to unequal distribution of funding and resources. When enrollment levels are balanced across schools, students throughout the county have equitable access to resources and opportunities.


HOW WILL I KNOW IF MY ADDRESS IS AFFECTED BY THE NEW ELEMENTARY BOUNDARIES?

Once the elementary boundaries are finalized, school or district personnel will contact affected families to discuss the changes. It’s important to note that the proposed boundaries are still in draft form and not final. The maps provided are not exact but are intended to give a general idea of the areas that may be impacted. 


ONCE BOUNDARIES ARE FINALIZED, CAN I REQUEST THAT MY CHILD ATTEND A DIFFERENT SCHOOL?

For many years, Logan County Schools has allowed open enrollment at any school. However, due to limited space, students residing within the new boundary lines will be expected to attend their designated home school.


CAN MY CHILD FINISH THEIR ELEMENTARY YEARS AUBURN?

Due to Auburn's significant growth in recent years, it is necessary to move as many students as possible within the new boundaries. However, one option, if approved by the board, may allow students enrolled in 8th grade at Auburn during the 2025–26 school year to complete their final year there, provided their parents transport their child to and from school.


WHAT ABOUT YOUNGER SIBLINGS OF 8TH GRADE STUDENTS?

If approved by the board, siblings of 8th graders during the 2025–26 school year may also attend Auburn, provided parents transport their children. Starting in the 2026–27 school year, however, siblings will be expected to attend schools within the new boundary lines.



NEW/UPDATED Q&A (12/7/24):

HAS THE DISTRICT CONSIDERED BUILDING A MIDDLE SCHOOL?

This is an option that has been discussed, and could eventually be a reality if the district experiences significant future growth. The requirements for funding a building project are more complex than they may appear on the surface. A district cannot simply choose to add a building. Approval by the state is based on several factors, including funding, condition of existing buildings, and enrollment. 


Given our current circumstances, there are two primary factors that prohibit building a middle school building at this time. First is the 85% rule:  The resulting movement from the existing facility to the new facility shall not reduce the enrollment of the existing facility to less than 85% of its projected capacity. The current enrollments at the middle school grades in our K-8s comprise between 21-33% of the total enrollment (average of 27% across all schools). KDE simply will not allow the district to operate at 67-79% of the building capacities. The second factor is that Auburn is the oldest K-8 facility in the district. State guidelines prohibit renovation or additions to buildings past a certain age, and Auburn fits that category. The top priority after completion of the project at Logan County High School is the replacement of the Auburn School.


WHY NOT JUST BUILD A NEW BUILDING, OR ADD ON TO AUBURN?

The district owns 20 acres on the edge of Auburn designated for a future school facility. However, no timeline has been set for construction, as several factors must be considered, including construction costs, bonding capacity, district finances, and enrollment trends. School buildings are most cost-efficient when operating at or near capacity. Even if planning for a new building began today, the proposed boundary changes should provide sufficient space over the next 3–5 years to accommodate additional population and enrollment growth in Auburn. Others have asked about just building a second school in Auburn. Given the age of the current facility and state guidelines on enrollment (see next question), this is not possible. Requests to the state for any further additions or renovations to Auburn School would not be approved given its current age and condition.


WON'T THIS INCREASE BUS RIDE TIMES FOR SOME STUDENTS?

For a very few families it could add an estimated 10-15 minutes, but for most, any changes are expected be insignificant. For many students, ride time could actually decrease. Once the plan is finalized, the district may utilize an outside firm to study bus routes and provide recommendations that should maximize efficiency and reduce the amount of time many students spend on the bus. 


COULD YOU ALLOW CURRENTLY ENROLLED STUDENTS TO STAY AND FINISH AND ONLY REQUIRE NEW STUDENTS TO  ENROLL AT ADAIRVILLE?

Auburn is already significantly overcrowded, and has increased by more than 100 students in the past three years. If every child in the new zone were to stay and finish their K-8 experience at Auburn, this will not provide an adequate decrease in enrollment needed to accommodate anticipated growth. Phasing this in over a period of years was actually considered initially, but if this were to apply to all grade levels, then it would take 8-10 years (including PK) for this to occur. Additionally, there are only an average of 7-8 students in each grade level, and Auburn is growing at a rate closer to 30 students over each of the past three years. There is no simple way to phase this in over a reasonable amount of time.


HOW WILL THIS IMPACT CLASS SIZES?

Class sizes fluctuate each year at each school based on a number of factors. Depending on the number of students in a particular grade level, class sizes in some grades may be just as likely to decrease next year at either school. Staffing allocations, based on available funding, also impact class size. There simply is no single factor that can be attributed to the size of any classroom at any of the K-8 schools. Increasing enrollment at a school that is under capacity can actually help decrease class sizes. When a smaller school has only 1-2 classrooms per grade level, it is more difficult to spread the number of students across multiple classes.


COULD THE SCHOOL JUST BUY OR RENT MOBILE CLASSROOMS?

This is not a practical first step solution, even if we had space on campus near the building to add them. Mobile units place students and staff outside of the main, safer structure of a traditional building. Traveling outside to these during rain or cold weather is not ideal. If the mobile units are not close to a bathroom, then those facilities also have to be added along with the utilities to serve them. It would further crowd the gym, cafeteria, kitchen, and car rider. 


DOES THIS IMPACT STUDENTS AT THE HIGH SCHOOL?

No. 


NEW Q&A (12/17/24):

WILL OUT-OF-DISTRICT STUDENTS ATTENDING AUBURN BE REQUIRED TO "MOVE BACK" TO THE SCHOOL THEY SHOULD ATTEND? ​

Current records indicate that fewer than ten non-staff students are enrolled at Auburn, though this will be verified during the committee's review process. For staff members' children, the total number is under 15. It is standard practice in most public school districts to allow staff members' children to attend schools outside their home districts. This policy helps retain quality teachers and staff by offering flexibility, which is something we aim to preserve.


WHAT DOES THE DISTRICT PLAN TO DO WITH THE LAND ON FRANKLIN ROAD? ​

This lot was purchased with the intent to build a new elementary school. Since that time, the rapid growth led to the purchase of 20 acres on Irl Scott Road in Auburn. The lot on Franklin Road was never intended to be the site of a middle school. Even if building one was an option, is not large enough for that. Additionally, it would cost around $40-50 million for a middle school and the current building plan has replacing Auburn as the first priority.


I AM CONCERNED ABOUT MY CHILD'S ANXIETY, SPECIAL SERVICES, AND CHANGE IN GENERAL. ​

We do empathize. For very few people, change is easy. The district and Adairville school will be very accommodating, knowing that this is a natural concern. Adairville is a high performing school with highly qualified, capable, and most of all, caring and loving staff. If anything, they will go above and beyond what you might expect in order to ensure a more smooth transition, great communication, and ongoing support. We also know that children tend to be more open minded and resilient than adults, and we hope that the message that is conveyed in front of children is a positive one because we also know that their outlook is more heavily influenced by a parent, guardian, or relative than by anyone else.


WHY DID LCHS CONSTRUCTION TAKE PRIORITY OVER A NEW AUBURN SCHOOL?

As a basic requirement for school safety standards, schools are required by law to have a secure entrance. Upgrades were made to the K-8 schools first, with LCHS being the last to receive a secure front entry area. It was simply an upgrade that had to be made to get the school in compliance. Additionally, classrooms and labs which were part of the original building in 1982 did not meet current space guidelines. Other schools, including Auburn, had received more recent facilities upgrades in portions of their buildings. These were two of the primary focus areas for the addition/remodel, with the third being the addition of an auditorium. This will provide space for more activities and events for our students and community.


The district will be reviewing and revising its facilities plan this spring. A new Auburn school is anticipated to be a top priority within the new plan.




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