Submitted by Westfield Washington Schools
The Westfield Washington Schools (WWS) Board of School Trustees voted 4-1 on Nov. 11, to approve new attendance boundaries for K–8 students. These changes will take effect at the start of the 2026–27 school year, aligning with several major district improvements designed to support the needs of a rapidly growing student population.
As of Nov. 21, families with registered elementary students for the 2026-27 school year will begin receiving email notifications identifying their child’s school assignment under the new boundaries.
WWS is one of the fastest-growing school districts in Indiana, with K-4 enrollment increasing by 660 students over the past five years. Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, elementary schools, which currently serve more than 800 students, will begin serving K-5. This means current fourth graders will still attend elementary schools for fifth grade. With this shift, every elementary school will serve grades K-5, ensuring a consistent experience for young learners and strengthening both academic and social development.
To further support growth and enhance learning environments:
- Two additional elementary schools, Midland Crossing Elementary School (new) and Westfield Elementary School (current site of Westfield Intermediate School) will open for the 2026-27 school year.
- A new middle school will open for the 2027-28 school year, after which both middle schools will serve grades 6-8. The new middle school, which will be located at State Road 32 and Centennial Road, will become the feeder school for Midland Crossing, Maple Glen, Oak Trace, and Shamrock Springs Elementary schools. The current middle school, located on West Hoover Street, will become the feeder school for Monon Trail, Washington Woods, Carey Ridge, and Westfield Elementary schools.
The new elementary school districts. (Graphic provided by Westfield Washington Schools)
The new middle school districts. (Graphic provided by Westfield Washington Schools)
The updated boundaries were developed to maximize the effective use of district facilities, maintain appropriate class sizes, and distribute resources equitably across schools. Adjusting boundaries also ensures long-term stability as the city continues to grow.
“While rebalancing of this scale impacts everyone, this is an important investment in the future of Westfield Washington Schools,” Superintendent Dr. John Atha. “As our district grows, these boundary adjustments ensure we can use our facilities efficiently, maintain class sizes, and deliver the high-quality educational programs our community expects. It positions us to welcome future generations of Shamrocks with confidence.”
To support transportation adjustments, the WWS operations department partnered with SafeRoutz, a transportation consulting firm. SafeRoutz conducted detailed routing studies using the new boundaries and is designing updated bus routes that reduce travel time and maintain safe, efficient pickup and drop-off procedures. The district expects these refinements to result in shorter and more predictable routes wherever possible.
With the new boundaries in place, the district’s staffing process has begun to determine the number of educators needed at each grade level. Teachers will receive a survey to indicate their preferences for grade level, school placement, and teammates.
Dr. Chris Baldwin, in collaboration with school principals and the teachers’ association, will use this information to create balanced teaching teams across all schools. These teams will begin working together in March 2026 to prepare classrooms, align instructional plans, and ensure smooth transitions for students and families.
School leadership teams will also continue partnering with PTOs and community members to maintain welcoming, inclusive cultures throughout the district.
The Destination Westfield webpage will soon be updated with enhanced tools and clearer resources to support families in navigating these changes.
Westfield Washington Schools extends its sincere appreciation to families, teachers, administrators, and the entire Westfield community for their collaboration, feedback, and ongoing partnership throughout this rebalancing process. The strength of our district comes from a shared commitment to ensuring every student thrives and becomes Life Ready.
More details on the Rebalancing Process
School rebalancing is the adjustment of attendance zones to create a more equitable distribution of enrollment, resources, and student demographics. This process helps districts respond to shifting residential patterns, population growth, and long-term facility planning.
During this process, the committee reviewed ten key considerations and reached consensus on prioritizing demographically balanced schools. Ensuring that each school’s population is as demographically similar as possible helps prevent unintentional segregation and aligns with federal Department of Justice guidance recommending no more than a 15 percent variance in socioeconomic status (SES) across schools.
The second-highest priority was longevity of boundaries, ensuring zones remain stable as future development occurs. The committee also emphasized the importance of school capacity, feeder patterns, and operational efficiency. Other considerations included: geographic proximity, minimizing impact on families, school capacity, and specialized programs.
