Boundary Review Process for the 2026–2027 School Year
On Feb. 13, 2025, the Board of Education directed that HCPSS initiate the boundary review process outlined in Policy 6010 School Attendance Areas to consider redistricting selected schools that are outside the capacity utilization range of 90-110%.
The boundary review process will include Bryant Woods, Running Brook, Swansfield, Longfellow, Clemens Crossing and Centennial Lane elementary schools. Wilde Lake, Harper’s Choice and Burleigh Manor middle schools, as well as Centennial and Wilde Lake high schools also will be included to allow adjustments to feeds.
Changes in school attendance areas as a result of this process will take effect beginning in the 2026-2027 school year.
Slides: View the slides presented at the information sessions →
Survey: Provide initial input to staff regarding policy considerations →
Provide Testimony to Board of Education
All students, parents/guardians, staff, community members and additional stakeholders may provide feedback via written testimony to the Board of Education and/or testifying at a Board of Education public hearing.
Supporting Students
Transitions can be difficult for children and some struggle more than others. HCPSS welcomes thousands of new students to our schools annually, and school administrators and staff in every school are prepared to support students in adjusting to a new school when that reality arises. They will make every effort to ensure this transition is as easy as possible for you and your child. More information will be provided during the spring of 2026 following final boundary review decisions. Learn how your student will be supported.
Public Input
Community members will have multiple opportunities and ways to provide input and recommendations throughout the process. Input sessions, surveys and other methods may be used to inform the Superintendent’s recommendation. Following the recommendation to the Board of Education, additional input opportunities will include public hearings and testimony to the Board.
Frequently Asked Questions
Process Timeline
Jump to: Spring Information Sessions | Boundary Review Report | Boundary Review Report Feedback Opportunities | Superintendent Recommendation to the Board | Written Testimony to the Board | Board of Education Public Hearings | Board of Education Work Sessions | Board Decision | Information and Activities to Support Students Transitioning to a New School | New Boundaries Implemented
Spring Information Sessions
April 2025
The Spring Information Sessions will provide an opportunity for community members to meet with staff from the HCPSS Office of School Planning to ask questions and provide input regarding their priorities related to the boundary review process via online survey. There will not be any boundary scenarios or specific plans or details presented. The intention of these meetings is to engage early with the potentially impacted communities and encourage community members to remain informed and engaged through the summer and fall, providing input or testimony throughout.
- Tuesday, April 15, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
- Wilde Lake Middle School Cafeteria
10481 Cross Fox Lane, Columbia - Thursday, April 24, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
- Burleigh Manor Middle School Media Center
4200 Centennial Lane, Ellicott City - Monday, April 28, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
- Swansfield Elementary School Cafeteria
5610 Cedar Lane, Columbia
Interpretation services at community input workshops will be available in Spanish, Korean, and Chinese. To request interpretation in another language, please email interpretingservices@hcpss.org.
Unable to attend an information session?
Slides: View the slides presented at the information sessions →
Survey: Provide initial input to staff regarding policy considerations →
Boundary Review Report
June 2025
Boundary Review Report forthcoming.
Boundary Review Report Feedback Opportunities
June – July 2025
Survey forthcoming.
Superintendent Recommendation to the Board
September 2025
The Superintendent will present a Proposed Attendance Area Adjustment Plan to the Board of Education.
Written Testimony to the Board
September—November 2025
Members of the public may submit written public testimony to the Board via:
- USPS mail: Howard County Board of Education, 10910 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042
Additionally, the public may participate in Board of Education public hearings.
Board of Education Public Hearings
September – November 2025
The Board of Education holds public hearings to gather feedback from the community.
Board of Education Work Sessions
September – November 2025
The Board of Education will hold public work sessions to discuss the Superintendent’s Boundary Adjustment Proposal and potential modifications or alternatives. The public may attend work sessions but may not participate.
Board Decision
November 2025
Any change to boundaries would be approved by the Board of Education in November.
Information and Activities to Support Students Transitioning to a New School
Winter 2025 – Spring 2026
Students transitioning to a new school participate in activities (e.g. open houses) and receive information about supports and services available at their new school to welcome them into the school community.
New Boundaries Implemented
September 2026
Boundaries approved by the Board in November 2025 are implemented for the 2026–2027 school year.