Goucher Elementary preparing for influx of new students
By SCOTT POWELL Ledger Staff Writer spowell@gaffneyledger.com

This map shows the new attendance lines for Goucher Elementary School.

Goucher Elementary will have a larger school attendance area when students begin using a new 6- classroom addition later this year.

The Cherokee County School District will reassign some students from B.D. Lee and Northwest elementaries to attend Goucher Elementary next school year. These students primarily live along the Highway 29 corridor between Love Springs and Baker roads.

Northwest Elementary is nearing capacity at the 470-student school. School officials have discussed placing mobile units at Northwest, where a 4-classroom addition opened in 2003.

B.D. Lee Elementary had 50 students transfer into the school when the district started a limited enrollment policy in 2005.

The rapid growth at B.D. Lee and Northwest elementaries prompted the school board to adjust attendance lines at its Feb. 26 meeting to prevent further overcrowding. Superintendent Dr. Bill James has said a maximum of 75 students could be affected by the new attendance lines.

Goucher Elementary office staff have already received inquiries from concerned parents. A map in the school office shows the highlighted areas where B.D. Lee and Northwest students have been reassigned to Goucher Elementary.

"We welcome parents who want to come by our school and tour the building," Goucher Elementary Principal Ashley Clary said. "This will give them a chance to become more familiar with Goucher if they are unfamiliar with the area."

The district is currently working to identify the students who will be impacted by the new boundary lines for B.D. Lee, Northwest and Goucher elementaries. Parents will receive a letter from the district about any change in their school assignment.

"Parents do not have to move their children," said Dr. Linda Sellars, assistant superintendent for instruction and curriculum. "Parents may choose to leave their students at the school of current attendance by requesting choice by April 15."

There must be enough space in the school for the transfer request to be approved, Sellars said.

Parents must provide transportation for children that attend a school outside the area where they live.