SMCPS Redistricting Proposals Released

Proposals for redistricting St. Mary’s County Public Schools were presented to the Board of Education on Feb. 3, marking a significant step in the process. Cannon Design, the consultant hired to assist with data gathering and analysis, reviewed its findings and recommendations, which differed slightly from a proposal offered by Superintendent Scott Smith.

In summary, high school redistricting is likely to take effect next school year for rising ninth graders. While school closures are not completely off the table, closing White Marsh Elementary School is unlikely for at least two more years.

CANNON DESIGN PROPOSAL

Community Survey 2 received more than 2,300 responses, with high participation from parents or guardians and middle and high school students. Cannon shared community feedback on each redistricting option for elementary, middle and high schools.

Elementary/Middle Option 1, which would balance utilization between 81% and 91%, received the most support and least opposition from respondents. Option 3, which proposed closing White Marsh, drew the most opposition and least support. Option 1 would affect 34% of elementary students and 17% of middle school students.

Despite its lack of public support, Cannon recommended Option 3 because it most closely aligned with criteria provided by the Board of Education and with several broad community priorities identified through survey responses. Cannon said enrollment should be monitored over the next two years to determine whether current declines continue. If so, White Marsh would close after the 2027–28 school year, with redistricting at the elementary and middle school levels occurring the following year.

All high school options generated more opposition than support, though Option 1 was the most favored overall. That option would affect 12% of students. Under the plan, each high school would operate at 103% to 106% capacity, while relieving overcrowding at Leonardtown High School. Rising ninth graders, beginning with the Class of 2030, would be redistricted through a phased approach over four years.

The proposal would add areas from Clarkes Landing Road along Route 235 north to Jones Wharf Road, and from McIntosh Road to Hollywood Road along Route 235 south, to Chopticon High School’s district. Neighborhoods along Route 4/Patuxent Beach Road, including Myrtle Point, as well as Elizabeth Hills off Indian Bridge Road, would be reassigned to Great Mills High School. Officials noted Breton Bay could also be shifted to Chopticon in future years, depending on development levels in the Leonardtown area.

SUPERINTENDENT

Smith’s recommendations to the Board of Education begin with no changes for elementary schools in the upcoming school year. He agreed with Cannon’s recommendation to monitor enrollment over the next two years, with a plan to close White Marsh if declines continue. Even with White Marsh closed, Smith said balancing utilization across elementary schools would still leave available capacity.

Middle schools would only be redistricted if elementary schools are, and no changes are proposed for next school year. If elementary redistricting occurs, Smith recommended proceeding with Cannon’s middle school alignment plan, which avoids splitting feeder patterns. Chief Operating Officer Mike Watson said Cannon’s Option 3 for middle schools would place Leonardtown Middle School, where the most growth is expected, at 82% utilization, leaving capacity available.

“We were told last year during the budget process by the county commissioners that we have to close a school,” Smith said. The school system cannot “maintain what we currently have” at current funding levels, he said, adding that this would require “taking action that is unpopular … and will affect everyone in St. Mary’s County.” White Marsh has been open for 70 years, and SMCPS has never closed a school without first building a new one, Smith said.

Under the superintendent’s proposal, high schools would see changes beginning in the 2026–27 school year. The plan would move 352 students from Leonardtown High School to Chopticon (285 students) or Great Mills (81 students) over four years, starting with the Class of 2030, which is currently in eighth grade. All high schools would remain above 100% capacity, though Leonardtown could absorb up to 352 additional students before reaching state-rated capacity. The county’s adequate public facilities ordinance allows schools to operate at up to 116% utilization.

Areas reassigned to Chopticon generally follow Cannon’s recommendations. However, the areas proposed for Great Mills differ significantly, largely due to transportation considerations. Homes along Indian Bridge Road would be reassigned to Great Mills, while Myrtle Point would remain in Leonardtown’s district. A portion of Woodland Acres would shift to Great Mills to align the neighborhood, based on bus routing. Kimberly Howe, Director of Capital Planning, said Woodland Acres previously had an exit onto Route 4 that was converted to an entrance only, placing most of the bus route within the Great Mills district.

Transportation routes have not yet been finalized, with three scenarios presented for the board’s consideration. Other issues still under review include academic offerings at each school and whether some students would be grandfathered into their current districts, depending on transportation availability.

A public hearing will be held during the Board of Education meeting on Feb. 18. The board is expected to finalize its proposal by March 18.

View the SMCPS Redistricting website here.

View the SMCPS Redistricting Proposals here.

Watch the Board of Ed meeting here.

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