February 21, 2025

Rezoning Proposal for Riley Elementary School

News Summary

Leon County Schools has proposed a significant rezoning plan for John G. Riley Elementary School to address the current 102% capacity issue. The initiative aims to redistribute student populations, ease overcrowding, and add pre-kindergarten classrooms on campus. Community forums have been held to engage families and share insights on the transition. The final decision regarding the rezoning will be made at an upcoming school board meeting, with hopes for a positive outcome.

Exciting Changes on the Horizon for Riley Elementary School!

Happy families of Tallahassee, we have some important news that could impact your little ones and their school experience! Leon County Schools is proposing a significant rezoning plan to tackle the current overcapacity issue at John G. Riley Elementary School, which is currently operating at a staggering 102% capacity. This transformation aims not only to make the school environment more comfortable for students, but also to introduce much-needed pre-kindergarten classrooms to the campus.

What’s the Plan?

Looking ahead to the 2025-26 school year, the school district is considering adjustments to school zones. This proposal seeks to create a better balance in student populations across local schools, which will allow for the addition of up to three pre-k classrooms at Riley Elementary. This is a big step, especially since more than 1,700 children are currently zoned for Riley!

The potential changes will also affect the school zones for Astoria Park, Fort Braden, and Sabal Palm Elementary Schools. With the goal of easing the crowding situation, Leon County Schools plans to rezone over 206 students from Riley. Here’s what the proposed numbers look like:

21 students to Fort Braden
63 students to Astoria Park
122 students to Sabal Palm

An Engaging Community Conversation

On February 12, the community gathered for an open forum at Riley Elementary to hear all about the new proposal. District representatives shared insights about how this move could effectively lower Riley’s current capacity from 102% to a more manageable 79%. It seems like a wise choice, considering the current capacities at the other schools: Astoria Park is at 65%, Sabal Palm at 76%, and Fort Braden at 82%.

Kicking Off Pre-K Programs

Now here’s something super exciting! As part of the rezoning initiative, the district plans to add 66 pre-kindergarten students to the Riley campus. You may not know, but Riley Elementary is currently the only elementary school in Leon County that does not have a pre-k classroom. This addition will be a huge benefit for families looking for early education options right in their neighborhood.

Interestingly, many district kids are currently making the trek to Leonard Wesson Elementary for their Pre-K needs. The proposed changes aim to keep students close to home, ensuring they have convenient access to education. Families will still have the choice to keep existing students at Riley through Florida’s school choice program if they prefer, although it’s worth mentioning that transportation will not be provided for those opting to stay.

Community Support During the Transition

As the district plans this major shift, it’s comforting to know that school board members are here to reassure concerned parents about the supports in place during the transition. The next community forum is coming up on February 20 at Astoria Park Elementary School, giving families another opportunity to voice their thoughts and questions.

Superintendent Rocky Hanna is committed to making prudent use of taxpayer dollars, steering clear of building new schools by instead filling existing seats. This initiative not only aims to solve the overcrowding issue but also strives for a more cohesive educational experience for our children.

What’s Next?

The final decision on these proposed changes will take center stage at a future school board meeting, with many hopeful that it will pass. If you’re a part of the Riley Elementary family, keep your eyes peeled for updates and get ready for some positive changes ahead!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER

The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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