Maps to shift Naples students set for viewing

As with the original proposal, the latest proposal would shift students into the new North Naples Middle School, opening in August, and relieves crowding at Gulfview, Oakridge and Pine Ridge middle schools.

The latest boundary map would shift Naples Park students from Pine Ridge Middle into the new school, while allowing one area, generally south of Immokalee Road and around the Airport-Pulling Road area, to remain zoned for Pine Ridge.

The second rezoning proposal will be unveiled during two public meetings:

-- 7-8 p.m. Monday inside Naples Park Elementary;

-- 7-8 p.m. Wednesday inside Pelican Marsh Elementary.

"We're taking it back to the public to make sure everyone can have input," board Chairman Dick Bruce said.

The board reviewed the first rezoning proposal on Nov. 6. After listening to concerned parents, who wanted their neighborhood to stay in the Pine Ridge zone, board members instructed staff to design a second map.

This second proposal allows students in the following developments to stay at Pine Ridge: Victoria Park, Stonebridge, Naples Trace, Westwinds, Crescent Lakes, Boca Palm, Four Seasons, Regent Park and Quail Woods.

Students at the St. Croix and Windsong apartments would attend North Naples Middle under both proposals.

Without the new middle school, the three schools' student populations would swell next year to: Gulfview 723 students; Oakridge, 1,670; and Pine Ridge, 1,293.

Parents might be able to apply for school choice, if they decide a school out of their attendance zone would better suit their child's needs -- and if there's room.

District officials should know whether they can offer school choice once Tallahassee tells the district which capacity numbers to use, which could happen this summer.

Frank Zencuch, the principal of East Naples Middle, will become the principal next year of North Naples Middle, which is located north of Immokalee Road, along Livingston Road.

The School Board will decide which rezoning proposal to approve at its Dec. 18 public meeting.

Those who cannot attend the public meetings or have a comment about the proposals can call the district's building department at 254-4385.