Deciding a plan geared to move the most students from overcrowded Beach Elementary School (BES) trumped another plan to impact the fewest number of elementary schools, the Calvert County Board of Education (BOE) chose an alternative plan. The redistricting plan, known as Alternative D, was approved 4-to-1 during a special BOE meeting Tuesday, March 25.

Under the alternative, 49 students who live in the Highlands subdivision would transfer from BES to Windy Hill Elementary School (WHES), and 98 students from the Summer City subdivision and 19 students from an area referred to as “The Panhandle” would transfer to Plum Point Elementary School (PPES).

With 166 students moving to other schools, the BES enrollment would be 566 students.

Last week the BOE appeared to be leaning towards selecting the plan known as Alternative B, which would have required the transfer of 117 students from BES to PPES.

“We feel the pain when we do it,” said BOE President Dr. Eugene Karol of the redistricting process. Karol said he favored a plan that would “disrupt as few families as possible.”

Board Member Tracy McGuire indicated the focus should be on relieving the overcrowded conditions at BES, making that school more accommodating to students and staff. Alternative D was “more accommodating” while not overcrowding either WHES or PPES.

Interim Superintendent Nancy Highsmith reported prior to the vote that she had conferred with the principals at all three elementary schools. The principals at the two schools that will receive additional students—Kelley Adams of WHES and Joyce King of PPES—both told Highsmith, “we can make it work.”

Board Member Joseph Chenelly admitted he originally favored Alternative B but was in agreement that BES should be given the most relief.

Later, Chenelly said he changed his mind over the weekend after speaking with parents and taking a drive around Chesapeake Beach where residential development continues.

Board Member Kelly McConkey stated he was in favor of Alternative B but admitted “I’m outnumbered.” McConkey said he favored the alternative that involved the least number of elementary schools.

He sustained his support for that plan by voting against the motion to adopt Alternative D.

Before the meeting was adjourned Chenelly stated the BOE needs to develop “a stronger relationship” with the leaders of the Town of Chesapeake Beach.

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