Some parents upset over Gwinnett redistricting maps

PEACHTREE CORNERS, Ga. — Parents in Georgia's largest school district got a first look at plans for redistricting and say all options aren't being considered.
 
For the first time, the Gwinnett County School System went public with its redistricting maps Monday. But the new lines aren't official, yet.
 
Parents filled Peachtree Elementary School Monday night with PTA members closely examining the redistricting map.
 
"I don't like it.  When these kids have made lifelong friendships and relationships.  It will just take away from our little neighborhood community.  I don't think the neighborhood should be split up," said parent Tissy Jones.
 
The lines will be re-drawn to ease crowding and fill four brand new schools.
 
"It is hard. There's change. But we want to hear from people through this process so we can make sure that the final maps the school board approves in December are the very best they can be," said school spokesperson Sloan Roach.
 
Officials say more than 13,000 students may have to move to a different school.  That's nearly one student in every 12. Getting all of their parents on board might be tough. Thirty-one schools could be affected. Peachtree Elementary is packed with 1,800 children. Officials want to relocate roughly 80. Some teachers said if that's how the district wants to address overcrowding, it won't make a dime's worth of difference.
 
"My opinion, it's like putting a tiny little stitch on an open wound. It's not going to help us," said teacher Marilyn Whitmer.
 
Officials will take public comments in writing over the next six weeks. Public meetings continue into December and a final school board vote is scheduled for Dec. 18.

WSBTV