Frequently Asked Questions

  • Benefits to the approved rezoning plan include:

    • Balanced Enrollment – The plan helps distribute students more evenly across campuses, reducing overcrowding in high-growth areas and better utilizing under-enrolled schools across Goose Creek CISD
    • Optimized Resources – By aligning student populations with campus capacities, the district can allocate teachers, staff, and funding more efficiently, enhancing the overall educational experience.
    • Stronger Feeder Patterns – Rezoning creates clearer, more consistent feeder patterns, allowing students to progress through elementary, intermediate, junior, and high school with the same peer group.
    • Reduced Need for Portables – Balancing enrollment across schools decreases reliance on portable classrooms, improving learning environments and safety.
    • Improved Transportation Efficiency – Adjusted boundaries can shorten bus routes, reducing ride times and transportation costs.
    • Future Growth Planning – The rezoning accounts for expected population increases, particularly in high-growth areas, ensuring schools can accommodate future students.

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  • Rezoning is necessary due to shifts in student enrollment, new housing developments, and the need to balance capacity between schools. Our current zones have led to overcrowding in some schools and underutilization in others. In Goose Creek’s current zones, some campuses are at 90%-130% capacity where others are at 50%-70% capacity.

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  • Yes, rezoning is a common practice for school districts, especially in areas experiencing demographic shifts. Districts regularly re-evaluate attendance boundaries to balance enrollment, optimize resources, and ensure schools operate efficiently.

     

    Rezoning is often necessary due to:

    • New housing developments that increase student populations in certain areas.
    • Overcrowding at some campuses and under-enrollment at others.
    • School closures or consolidations to maximize resources and budget efficiency.
    • Adjustments to feeder patterns to provide continuity for students as they progress through grade levels.

     

    Most school districts undergo rezoning every few years to accommodate these changes and provide the best educational experience for all students.

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  • The district will host transition events, provide parent engagement opportunities, and encourage collaboration between schools to foster a strong community culture. The new zones have clean elementary to junior school to high school feeder patterns which will support school pride and a sense of community.

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  • The rezoning option was selected through a collaborative process involving the District Rezoning Task Force and the GC2035 Community Committee. The zoning recommendation was provided to the Goose Creek CISD Board of Trustees and was approved at the February 3, 2025 board meeting.

     

    • District Rezoning Task Force: This group, made up of district administrators and experts, analyzed current enrollment trends, school capacities, transportation logistics, and demographic projections to develop viable rezoning options.
    • GC2035 Community Committee: Composed of parents, staff, and community members, this committee provided valuable input by reviewing data, discussing potential impacts, and ensuring that the selected option aligned with the district’s long-term goals.

     

    Throughout the process, the district also gathered community feedback to refine the plan and address concerns. The final rezoning decision was made to balance enrollment, maintain strong feeder patterns, and optimize resources for all students.

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  • SPED services will continue to be provided based on each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). Some specialized programs may be zoned at designated campuses, but transportation will be available for eligible students.

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  • At this time, most school start and end times are not expected to change due to rezoning. School start and end times are being evaluated and any changes will be communicated with families as soon as possible.

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  • District academies will remain in place and continue to serve students based on their program enrollment rather than their home campus zoning.

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  • Regardless of campus capacity, this district follows standard teacher-to-student ratios. Goose Creek is below the state teacher-to-student ratio average.

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  • The new attendance zones will take effect for the 2025-2026 school year.

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  • The district has approved a grandfather clause for certain grade levels. Current 4th graders, 6th and 7th graders, and 9th through 11th graders have the option to remain at their current campus.

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  • At this time, Goose Creek CISD does not have an open enrollment policy. Students must attend their zoned campus unless they receive an approved transfer.

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  • Schools will provide opportunities for rezoned students to integrate into extracurricular programs, including early sign-ups, team meetings, and transition support.

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  • Rezoning is based on district-wide needs, and exceptions are limited. Families seeking a transfer must follow district transfer policies.

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  • The district is evaluating how bilingual programs align with rezoning. More details will be shared as plans are finalized.

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  • Special programs will continue to be strategically placed based on student needs and campus resources. Some programs may remain centralized for specialized support.

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  • Yes, future housing developments were considered in the rezoning plan to ensure long-term balance and capacity management.

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  • All district schools follow the same high standards for curriculum, instruction, and student support. The district is committed to providing resources, staffing, and academic programs to ensure all students receive a high-quality education, regardless of campus assignment.

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  • Transportation routes will be adjusted to align with the new attendance zones. While some students may experience minor changes in travel time, the district aims to optimize routes to minimize time spent on the bus.

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  • Rezoning is designed to better balance campus enrollment, which may reduce the need for portables in some areas. However, as enrollment fluctuates, the district will continue to evaluate space needs.

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  • No, Goose Creek CISD does not offer a paid transfer option. Students must attend their zoned campus unless they qualify for a district-approved transfer under specific circumstances.

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  • The district will monitor legislative decisions regarding school vouchers. While it is uncertain how vouchers may impact enrollment, the district remains committed to providing high-quality education for all students.

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Capacity

  • Functional Capacity: a realistic number of students a school can accommodate based on how spaces are actually used, considering scheduling, class sizes, and special programs.

     

    Maximum Capacity: a representation of the highest number of students a building could educate while utilizing all spaces and not accounting for special programs.

     

    **Functional Capacity can change if campus programs are shifted from one campus to another**

    Campus
    Current Capacity
    2025 Functional Capacity
    2025 Maximum Capacity
    2033 Functional Capacity
    2033 Maximum Capacity
    Alamo
    83%
    91%
    82%
    111%
    101%
    Austin
    80%
    97%
    95%
    107%
    104%
    Banuelos
    82%
    87%
    84%
    93%
    90%
    Bowie
    83%
    92%
    89%
    86%
    83%
    Carver
    70%
    92%
    91%
    99%
    98%
    Clark
    110%
    105%
    100%
    106%
    101%
    Crockett
    87%
    107%
    99%
    105%
    98%
    DeZavala
    82%
    67%
    64%
    68%
    66%
    Harlem
    73%
    105%
    94%
    104%
    94%
    Highlands
    131%
    85%
    82%
    108%
    103%
    Pumphrey
    122%
    108%
    104%
    122%
    118%
    San Jacinto
    80%
    101%
    98%
    100%
    97%
    Smith
    58%
    93%
    91%
    89%
    87%
    Travis
    102%
    103%
    95%
    102%
    94%
    Walker
    81%
    69%
    67%
    122%
    120%
    Page 1 of 1

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  • Functional Capacity: a realistic number of students a school can accommodate based on how spaces are actually used, considering scheduling, class sizes, and special programs.

     

    Maximum Capacity: a representation of the highest number of students a building could educate while utilizing all spaces and not accounting for special programs.

     

    **Functional Capacity can change if campus programs are shifted from one campus to another**

    Campus
    Current Capacity
    2025
    2033
    Baytown Junior
    78%
    71%
    73%
    Cedar Bayou
    74%
    87%
    93%
    Gentry
    81%
    71%
    74%
    Green
    73%
    66%
    88%
    Highlands
    66%
    56%
    61%
    Horace Mann
    60%
    84%
    82%
    Lee
    71%
    80%
    73%
    Memorial
    83%
    72%
    82%
    Sterling
    64%
    71%
    69%
    Page 1 of 1

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Grandfathering
  • Grandfathering allows certain students to remain at their current school instead of moving to their newly zoned campus. For this rezoning, a grandfather clause has been approved for current 4th, 6th, 7th, 9th, 10th, and 11th graders.

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  • Students eligible for grandfathering include:

    • Current 4th graders (who would otherwise move to a different elementary school)
    • Current 6th and 7th graders (who would otherwise move to a different junior school)
    • Current 9th, 10th, and 11th graders (who would otherwise move to a different high school)
    • Parents must provide transportation.
    • Students must be in good standing in attendance, behavior, and tardies.
    • Siblings of grandfathered students will not be eligible for transfer.

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  • Younger elementary students are not included in grandfathering because our elementary campuses, even with rezoning, are still at or near capacity at many of our schools, specifically on the north-side of the district. Including additional grade levels could result in campuses exceeding their enrollment limits, which would impact resources, class sizes, and overall learning environments.

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  • Families of eligible students will receive direct communication from the district via ParentSquare. The notification will include instructions on how to opt into grandfathering.

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  • Students in special needs programs will continue to receive services as outlined in their Individualized Education Program (IEP). Grandfathering decisions for these students will be handled on a case-by-case basis to ensure they receive appropriate support.

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  • At this time, grandfathering applies only to specific grade levels. However, families with unique situations—such as siblings placed at different schools due to special programs—may submit a transfer request for district review.

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  • Families will have a designated window to confirm their decision. The district will provide a deadline in the notification sent to eligible students. Once the deadline passes, changes may not be possible due to staffing and scheduling constraints.

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  • Grandfathered students will remain at their current campus but will transition to their newly zoned campus once they complete the highest grade at their grandfathered school.

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  • Grandfathering does not affect UIL eligibility because students remain in their original school. However, students who later transfer to a different school may be subject to UIL eligibility review.

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  • Grandfathering applies only to the designated grade levels.

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  • Yes, grandfathering may slightly impact enrollment numbers at some campuses. However, the district has accounted for this in planning and will monitor student movement to adjust staffing and resources as needed.

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  • A student’s grandfathered status may be revoked if they:

    • Cannot provide their own transportation
    • Do not maintain good attendance
    • Continue to arrive late to school
    • Have persistent discipline issues
    • Withdraw from the district and later return (placement would then be based on the new attendance zone)

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  • Yes, students who demonstrate excessive absences, tardies, or disciplinary concerns may be required to transition to their newly zoned campus.

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