Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Bedell today submitted to the Board of Education two redistricting recommendations to best accommodate student growth and most efficiently utilize space in schools in the central and southern portions of the county.
The plans would result in shifts in schools for approximately 1,500 and 1,100 students, respectively. Pending the outcome of a request to alter the state-rated capacity (SRC) at Crofton High School, both recommendations would result in all schools in the redistricting area being below 100 percent of their SRC at full implementation.
“We have listened and reacted to input from our communities and Board members as we have worked forward from the scenarios developed by our consultant and shaped these recommendations,” Dr. Bedell said. “This is the next step in a long process and there will be plenty of discussion and opportunity for public comment between now and the time our Board adopts a plan in November.”
Dr. Bedell’s complete recommendations, a page to view maps and see how the recommendations impact specific home addresses, a link to provide comment on the recommendations, and other resources related to the redistricting process will be posted at www.aacps.org/phase2redistricting no later than Thursday, July 24, 2025. The public comment portal will be open through September 5, 2025. The plan ultimately adopted by the Board will go into effect in the 2026-27 school year.
SUPERINTENDENT’S RECOMMENDATION 1
This recommendation (R1) shifts approximately 1,500 students and includes:
· Changes in elementary school boundaries in the Arundel and Meade clusters to address new and upcoming housing developments in Two Rivers and Odenton Town Center.
· The reassignment of some elementary school students from Davidsonville Elementary School to Central Elementary School.
· Adjustments in the middle and high school boundaries in the Arundel, Crofton, and Meade clusters to relieve overcrowding.
· The move of high school students in the Walter S. Mills-Parole Elementary School attendance area from Annapolis High School to South River High School.
· The move of middle and high school students living in the Nantucket Elementary School attendance area from Crofton Middle School and Crofton High School to Arundel Middle School and Arundel High School.
SUPERINTENDENT’S RECOMMENDATION 2
This recommendation (R2) shifts approximately 1,100 students and includes:
· Changes in elementary school boundaries in the Arundel and Meade clusters to address new and upcoming housing developments in Two Rivers and Odenton Town Center.
· The reassignment of some elementary school students from Davidsonville Elementary School to Central Elementary School.
· Adjustments in the middle and high school boundaries in the Arundel, Crofton, and Meade clusters to relieve overcrowding.
· The move of middle and high school students living in the Nantucket Elementary School attendance area from Crofton Middle School and Crofton High School to Arundel Middle School and Arundel High School.
· The portion of the Apex Arts program currently housed at Annapolis High School will be moved to a new location.
BOTH SUPERINTENDENT’S RECOMMENDATIONS
Both Superintendent’s Recommendations (R1 and R2) contain the same “Legacy Student” provision that existed in Phase 1 of the redistricting process in which students who will be entering 12th grade in the 2026-27 school year will have the option to remain at the high school to which they are currently assigned. Students enrolled in magnet programs will continue to be enrolled in their current assigned program.
NEXT STEPS
AUGUST 18, 2025: The Board of Education will hold a public workshop on Dr. Bedell’s recommendations at 6 p.m. on Monday, August 18, in the Board Room of the Parham Building, located at 2644 Riva Road in Annapolis. The workshop is open to the public but no public comment or testimony will be taken. It is subject to the normal space limitations in the Board Room and will also be broadcast live on AACPS-TV and on AACPS’ YouTube channel.
SEPTEMBER 5, 2025: The public comment portal found through the link at www.aacps.org/phase2redistricting closes.
SEPTEMBER 17, 2025: The Board will decide on a proposal or proposals to take forward to public hearing in order to solicit community input.
OCTOBER 2025: AACPS staff will conduct a public briefing or briefings on the plan or plans the Board decides to take forward to public hearing. Following the briefings, the Board will conduct public hearings on those plans.
NOVEMBER 19, 2025: The Board is scheduled to adopt a redistricting plan. The adopted plan will go into effect in August