Bus stops rezone, balancing class sizes

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Phillip Butterfield
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Beginning in the fall of 2010, off-base bus stops will rezone to accommodate a shift in the student population.

The decision was made to alleviate the strain on teachers and facilities at the Misawa's two elementary schools, Cummings and Sollars.

"Sollars Elementary School's student population has expanded to approximately 900 children. While Cummings Elementary School's student population has decreased to approximately 250," said Faye Jenkins, 35th Fighter Wing civilian school liaison.

Current zoning places all children living in off-base homes at Sollars Elementry School. As approximately 400 homes in north area were vacated for renovations, the number of families living off base increased, thus the influx in attendance at Sollars, Mrs. Jenkins added.

To correct the imbalance of students, Department of Defense Dependents School administrators and wing leadership decided to rezone the off-base student pick-up points. Students now living in certain zones off base will be bused to Cummings.

"Students living south of the new city hospital and Jam Friend Club Pachinko Parlor, and East of Maruhan Pachinko Parlor will attend Cummings Elementary," said Mrs. Jenkins. "Students living north of the new city hospital and west of Jam Friend will attend Sollars. High school students living in both areas will continue to be bused to Edgren High School with their own designated buses."

The rezoning plan is anticipated to alleviate Sollar Elementary School's over population concern. This plan, will not affect the bus process.

"The bus ride in general, will not change," said Chris Zeitvodel, Department of Defense Education Activity Pacific Region, Japan District, Misawa Complex student transportation manager. "Children will board at the same bus stop and in some cases the travel times are expected to decrease."

However the children arrive to school, they will remain a part of the Misawa educational system.

"Sollars and Cummings are both outstanding schools," said Mrs. Jenkins. "We know our families will find great educational programs, outstanding teachers, and long-lasting friendships at either school."

More information on the rezoning process can be found at http://www.misawa.af.mil/library/dodds.asp or call the Misawa School Bus Office at 226-9119, or email: Misawa.STO@pac.dodea.edu.