As we approach the 2026–2027 school year, School District Five is implementing a new redistricting plan that will take effect on July 1, 2026. This strategic initiative aims to better serve our students and community while minimizing disruptions.
Our new school attendance map is now live on the district website (www.lexrich5.org/redistricting). I encourage all families to enter their address to see how these changes may affect you. Transparency is at the core of our process, and we’ve provided a wealth of resources, including written information, video forums, and FAQs, all accessible online.
Preferred Choice allows families affected by redistricting to apply to return to their previous school if space is available. In addition, our district is proud to operate 17 magnet programs across 12 sites, and interest continues to grow. Last year, we received over a thousand applications for our magnet and choice programs, and we expect even more interest for the 2025–2026 school year. The magnet and choice application window closes on January 28, 2026, and applications are processed by lottery, ensuring fairness regardless of when they are submitted. For those receiving magnet placements, we kindly ask you to accept or decline by February 10. This timeline allows us to finalize staffing and placements efficiently
To assist our families, we are hosting an elementary magnet fair on January 15 from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. at the Center for Advanced Technical Studies. This event will feature application assistance stations to help complete forms.
School District Five has additional plans to assist families affected by redistricting with transitions. Principals at all elementary and middle schools will host welcome orientations by May 2026. Our dedicated teams in student services and planning, academics, finance, operations, human resources, and communications are fully coordinating this move. Additionally, mental wellness teams are available to support students facing challenges.
The movement of staff will follow student redistricting, and preliminary teacher placements for the 2026–2027 year were provided in December. For staff seeking reassignment, the annual transfer request window opens in January.
What sets this redistricting process apart is our commitment to offering families choices and pathways to return to prior schools or choose new schools when possible. We urge families to explore the resources available on our website, attend our fairs, apply through the choice and magnet application, and respond to placements promptly.
Your engagement and cooperation are vital to ensuring a smooth transition. We are here to support you every step of the way.
Akil E. Ross, Sr.
Superintendent
