Jackson Free Press

An influx of new students in South Jackson could prompt a disorienting shuffle of students between area elementary schools. Officials for Jackson Public Schools are projecting an enrollment of 30,933 students this year. That represents an increase of 346, with much of the rise coming from a new housing development in South Jackson. The development, located near Raymond and McDowell Roads, is zoned for Woodville Heights Elementary School.

Willie Johnson, the district's executive director of accountability and research, told board members on Friday that Woodville Heights was already near capacity last year, as a result of transfers from overcrowded Timberlawn Elementary School. Some of those transfers would return to their home school this year, he said, but overcrowding at Woodville Heights could push the new arrivals to Van Winkle Elementary.

Board Secretary Delmer Stamps voiced concern that these transfers would prevent young students from forming bonds with their teachers and principals.

"Help me understand the academic logic," Stamps said. He added that district-wide rezoning and the construction of a new elementary school in South Jackson next year could cause further disruptions.

Board member H. Ann Jones echoed Stamp's concerns and criticized district officials for responding slowly.

"We know we can't solve it all, because we have a mobile student population, but these are things that we can plan for," Jones said. "Moving children from environment to environment is not helping them academically."