Osseo Area Schools presented four proposed scenarios for attendance boundary changes affecting elementary and middle schools during a community information meeting Friday evening.

The changes are needed due to significant enrollment imbalances, particularly growth in the northwest portion of the district, according to Superintendent Dr. H. The new boundaries will take effect in fall 2026, except for Crest Elementary, which will move students in fall 2025. The timing coincides with the opening of a new elementary school in northwest Maple Grove.

The four scenarios would impact between 1,800 and 3,700 elementary and middle school students, representing 8% to 18% of the student population. High school boundaries will not change, as promised during the 2023 Building a Better Future referendum. Executive Director of Finance and Operations John Moret explained that the scenarios were developed using community-built parameters gathered from nearly 3,000 community members who provided input on priorities for the boundary changes.

The district emphasized this is the first presentation of scenarios and no final decisions have been made. "The choice is going to come from the voice of our public," Dr. H said. Community feedback will drive adjustments to the proposals, with revised scenarios expected to be presented in March.

Final attendance boundaries are expected to be announced by the end of the current school year. The district has not conducted large-scale boundary changes in more than 15 years. Community members can provide feedback through small group discussions or an online form, with additional opportunities planned before final decisions are made.