BY KARISSA MILLER
Families dropped into South Iredell High School last week to look over maps and voice their concerns as Iredell-Statesville Schools officials unveiled a draft plan for new attendance boundaries.
The redistricting process, prompted by the upcoming 2027-2028 opening of Weathers Creek High School and Parkertown Elementary School, aims to alleviate significant overcrowding at I-SS schools in the southern end of the county.
I-SS Chief Operations Officer Mark Shinkaruk told attendees that the district’s goal is to “impact the fewest families as possible” while ensuring the new facilities are utilized effectively.
A recurring topic throughout the two-hour drop-in session was the status of athletic facilities at Weathers Creek High. Under current plans, the school will open with a gymnasium but without outdoor fields or a stadium due to funding constraints.
“My hope is we would build athletics at some point,” Shinkaruk said. “It would make the most financial sense sooner than later.”
Parent Jesse Bost shared his concerns about how a potential reassignment could impact his daughter’s future in athletics.
“We’ve been playing volleyball since third grade,” he said. “She’s a club player and wants to continue at some college somewhere. If we can’t play, that’s a major concern.”
Other parents expressed their worries about stability, particularly for high school students nearing graduation. Parents pointed out that moving schools late in a student’s career could disrupt friendships, academic momentum, and eligibility for sports or leadership roles.
Real estate concerns also surfaced during conversations. One attendee noted that families are already reconsidering home purchases based on potential zoning changes, underscoring how closely tied school assignments are to property acquisition decisions.
District officials emphasized throughout the evening that no decisions have been finalized. They encouraged families to continue providing feedback as the process moves forward.
“This is the biggest shift since the merging of the county and city school system,” Shinkaruk said.
About the redistricting plan
The plan aims to relieve overcrowding at both South Iredell High and Lake Norman High.
Weathers Creek High, built for 1,600 students, is expected to open with fewer than 900 students. Enrollment will gradually increase over the next five years.
The potential new boundaries, which were drawn by Centralina Piedmont, may also impact families in the current Coddle Creek, Cool Spring, East Iredell Elementary, Shepherd, Troutman Elementary, and Woodland Heights Elementary boundaries.
The district will continue to collect feedback through upcoming open houses at Lake Norman High on April 1 and The Unity Center on April 14 before the school board votes on the final plan.
The plan, once approved by the school board, would go into effect in August of 2027, officials stated.