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Bettendorf School District to Re-Evaluate Attendance Boundaries

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. strict-to-re-evaluate-attendance-boundaries.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Tuesday, February 3rd 2026 at 12:19 GMT by Quad-City Times
      Locales: Iowa, UNITED STATES

Bettendorf, Iowa - February 3rd, 2026 - The Bettendorf Community School District is on the cusp of a significant change that will impact families across the city. Following a decade of relative stability, the district is actively re-evaluating its attendance boundaries, with potential adjustments slated for the 2026-2027 school year. The impetus behind this undertaking is a confluence of factors, primarily shifting demographic trends and a commitment to maintaining equitable student populations across all schools.

The last major overhaul of Bettendorf's attendance boundaries occurred in 2015, and district officials acknowledge that considerable growth and internal shifts within the city necessitate a fresh look at how students are assigned to schools. Jodi Hissner, president of the Bettendorf school board, explained, "We're looking at enrollment projections and trying to make sure we have a good balance across our schools. Growth in certain areas of the district, coupled with declines in others, means our current boundaries are becoming increasingly imbalanced."

This isn't simply a matter of redrawing lines on a map. The process is a complex undertaking, involving careful analysis of several key elements. Feeder patterns - the progression of students from elementary to middle and then high school - are a crucial consideration. Disrupting these established patterns can be challenging for students and families, and the board is keen to minimize such disruption whenever possible. Equally important are transportation routes. Any boundary changes must take into account bus routes and ensure that students are able to reach their assigned schools efficiently and safely. The district is also mindful of maintaining neighborhood cohesion; keeping students within their immediate communities is considered a high priority.

The district anticipates that some schools will experience significant changes in student numbers. Preliminary data suggests that certain elementary schools are nearing capacity, while others have available space. Balancing these numbers is not merely about physical space; it also affects the resources available to each student, including teacher-to-student ratios and access to specialized programs. A more equitable distribution of students will help ensure that all children receive a high-quality education.

The board began soliciting community input in March of 2024, recognizing that any changes to attendance boundaries will directly impact families. This ongoing engagement is designed to ensure that the final decision reflects the needs and concerns of the community. Public forums have been held at various locations throughout the city, allowing residents to voice their opinions and ask questions. An online survey, available at [ www.bettendorf.org/attendanceboundaries ], provides another avenue for feedback. The district is committed to transparency throughout the process, and all public comments are being carefully considered.

The data analysis phase is currently underway, with demographers and school officials working to project future enrollment trends. This includes examining birth rates, housing development patterns, and migration data. Based on this analysis, several potential boundary scenarios are being developed. These scenarios will be presented to the public in the coming months, allowing for further feedback and discussion.

While a final decision isn't expected until early 2026, the district is urging residents to stay informed and participate in the process. "We understand that changes to attendance boundaries can be unsettling," Hissner stated. "That's why we're making a concerted effort to involve the community every step of the way. We want to ensure that the final decision is one that best serves all of our students."

The district is also looking at the long-term implications of these changes, considering how they might affect future school construction and resource allocation. The goal is to create a sustainable and equitable system that will meet the needs of Bettendorf students for years to come. Stakeholders are encouraged to visit the district's website for updates, detailed information on proposed scenarios, and opportunities to provide feedback. The website also contains a frequently asked questions (FAQ) section addressing common concerns about the boundary adjustment process.