The meeting’s primary agenda revolved around the proposed consolidation of attendance zones for Dr. Mary McCloud Bethune Elementary and West Riviera Elementary schools. The restructuring would designate West Riviera for pre-K through second grade and Bethune for grades three through five. This plan also includes re-zoning all K-5 students from Lincoln Elementary to the new area, as Lincoln Elementary is set to be repurposed. Link, in charge of school enrollment and demographics, outlined that West Riviera is undergoing modernization, expected to be completed by August 2026. A significant change involves a segment north of Blue Heron Boulevard from Bethune’s zone being shifted to Washington Elementary to avoid students crossing the busy street, thereby enhancing safety.

Detailed discussions ensued on the geographical boundaries and their implications, particularly on the zones’ impact on communities like Tiffany Lakes and Mangonia Park. Concerns were voiced about logistical issues for families with children attending both West Riviera and Bethune, given the physical separation of the schools by a busy highway. The committee emphasized that the reconfiguration aims to address academic needs, particularly focusing on early literacy for younger students, rather than solely on school capacity.

Dr. Coleman provided insight into the consolidation’s rationale, highlighting the need to accommodate the student population from Lincoln, with future plans involving a Riviera Beach High School necessitating zoning shifts. The proposed restructuring intends to tailor support according to the developmental needs of different age groups. Community forums have been held to discuss these changes, but questions about transportation logistics persist, including how families will manage children in different schools and the impact on school start times.

The committee also addressed potential increased enrollment in the reconfigured schools and its effect on staffing, particularly for specialty courses. Currently, West Riviera and Bethune have enrollments of approximately 430 and 470 students, respectively, which are smaller compared to other district schools. Discussions revolved around ensuring the consistency of classes and instruction across schools, with assurances given that specialty teachers would not face changes in their teaching routines.

Community engagement emerged as a critical concern, particularly highlighted by Carl Muhammad from the community, who criticized the lack of sufficient parental involvement in the decision-making process. He called for more transparency and genuine dialogue with parents, stressing that the committee should consider the children’s impact when making boundary changes. The committee acknowledged these concerns, recognizing the necessity for ongoing communication with the community.

The meeting confirmed that community input meetings are part of the policy surrounding boundary changes, with affected families being notified. Praise was given to Dr. Coleman for her proactive efforts in addressing parental concerns and engaging with the community, but the need for continued dialogue was emphasized.