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Rezoning policy OK’d to reduce Hopwood population
The Board of Education has approved the Public School System’s rezoning proposal in order to reduce the student population at Hopwood Middle School.
The board approved the rezoning and readjusting of school boundaries during a special BOE meeting two weeks ago.
Education Commissioner Dr. Alfred Ada explained that this would address the overcrowding at Hopwood and improve the student-teacher ratio.
Last school year, the student population at HMS was at 932. With the newly approved rezoning policy, 130 middle school students residing in Puerto Rico, Navy Hill, and Chinatown will be transferred to Tanapag Middle School.
The other areas for rezoning are As Terlaje, Kannat Tabla, Chalan Kiya-Mobil upwards, As Lito, Finasisu, and Joeten-Dandan.
The middle school students in these areas will now have to attend classes at the Dandan Middle School instead of Hopwood.
Ada said the new policy would mean shorter commutes for majority of students, easing traffic conditions in San Jose, and also fuel savings on PSS’ part.
“The criteria being used to identify rezoning areas are distance, commute time, and safety,” he said.
Ada said he has also been in communication with the principals involved, who gladly informed him that they are willing and are able to accommodate new students.
