The Coweta County School Board unanimously approved a redistricting map Jan. 13 that will include the county’s 19th elementary school. The new district for Brooks Elementary includes the north central portion of the county. The school will open in August and is expected to serve approximately 650 students.

Explaining the redistricting process that encompassed more than three months, Superintendent Blake Bass said officials went to each of the four elementary schools and spoke with the school councils. The councils appointed a redistricting committee member, as did each school principal. Those schools include Arnco-Sargent, Arbor Springs, Northside, and Canongate.

“The groups worked on attendance lines to propose to the board for Brooks. The groups looked at (U.S. Dept. of Justice) requirements and student achievement,” Bass said, adding that the redistricting groups turned down some of his suggestions on re-drawing the map. “It was not done quickly or by looking at one subdivision over another. No one wants to move, but with growth that has to happen. The four others are excellent schools with good parents and families. I appreciate what they’ve done. The group found it tough. Three of the parents redistricted themselves out of the district they wanted.”

Prior to the vote, the only member of the community speaking during public comments was Timber Ridge subdivision resident Amy Ballard. Indicating that she was speaking for other neighbors not at the meeting, Ballard said her subdivision was in closer proximity to several other elementary schools than to the new Brooks Elementary. She suggested the map be drawn to include the Collingsworth Road area since it is closer to Brooks.

Public comments was followed by a unanimous vote to approve the new redistricting map.

Brooks Elementary is expected to open serving 650 students, according to school system Public Information Officer Dean Jackson. In all, new district lines will reduce Arnco-Sargent Elementary School, from 523 to 424 students next year, Arbor Springs Elementary School from 670 to 457 students next year, Canongate Elementary School from 833 to 624 students next year, and Northside Elementary School from 524 to 394 students next year, Jackson said.

Bass said advertising for the principal will begin immediately. Brooks Elementary will open in August.