When a school district is required to redraw boundary lines, the process is often difficult for at least some of the neighborhoods affected. Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools concluded its months-long redistricting effort for elementary, intermediate, and junior high schools Wednesday night, but not without making changes to the previously proposed maps.

District administrators and Woolpert, the consultant hired to guide the process, had published what they described as a final set of recommended maps. However, concerns persisted among several neighborhoods. In response, Woolpert and school officials made targeted adjustments, presenting an alternative option for the board’s consideration.

Once that alternative recommendation was introduced, Board Member Suzanne Thomas offered an amendment allowing students in the Woods at Geist Overlook neighborhood to remain assigned to Hamilton Southeastern Intermediate and Junior High School (HIJH).  The amendment was approved.

High school boundaries remain unchanged, and the district’s “choice” system—allowing students to select which high school they attend—will continue for now. Several board members, however, cautioned that the choice system may not be sustainable in future years, and that high school redistricting may eventually be necessary.

Board members also noted that the newly approved maps, which Woolpert initially projected could remain in place for up to seven years, may require reconsideration in as few as five years due to enrollment shifts.

The updated boundaries will take effect for the 2026–2027 school year. District administrators will now begin planning transition efforts to help students adjust as they move to new school assignments.

For a detailed look at the process of putting the new maps together, use this link.