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Schools Shifting Kids to Address Overcrowding: Elementary Classroom Crunch Expected to Worsen As Growth Rolls On

Posted on: Wednesday, 1 February 2006, 09:00 CST

By Cleve R. Wootson Jr., The Charlotte Observer, N.C.

Feb. 1--GASTONIA -- Two overcrowded Gaston County elementary schools will shift students to four schools with more space starting next school year.

And Gaston County Schools officials say the restructuring is a sign there's too little space at too many schools.

Students at Sherwood and Sadler elementary schools -- combined, they are over capacity by 134 students -- will be sent to schools that are not full.

In addition to being flooded with students, Sadler is near two approved new home developments that, when finished, will bring more children, said Leon Moretz, the assistant superintendent for student support services in charge of the restructuring.

Sherwood, which was built to hold 630 students, is just too full.

"The reason is Sherwood Elementary has over 700 students," said Bonnie Reidy, spokeswoman for Gaston County Schools. "It simply cannot accommodate that many students."

Last week, the county approved a $125 million bond referendum to go on the ballot in November. If approved by voters, the district would build six schools and expand four.

"This is all a part of the full picture of overcrowding," Reidy said. "Fortunately, there is something we can do with these two schools, with most schools we cannot. There's nowhere to send (students)."

Enrollment Changes

SHERWOOD ELEMENTARY

-- Loses 105 students.

-- 81 of them will go to Woodhill.

-- 16 will go to Lingerfeldt.

-- 8 will go to Robinson.

SADLER ELEMENTARY

-- Loses 81 students.

-- All will attend Rhyne.

Changes take effect at the beginning of the 2006-07 school year.

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Copyright (c) 2006, The Charlotte Observer, N.C.

Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News.

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Source: The Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, N.C.)

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