Residents of the Spring Valley subdivision expressed concerns Tuesday about the impending Richland Two high school rezoning, which could force some students in the neighborhood to attend Richland Northeast.

Three rezoning plans were presented before the Richland Two Board of Trustees to plan for the addition of Westwood High School next fall. All of the plans differed slightly, but some residents expressed disappointment with aspects of all of them.

“The idea of a community school has been made a reality in relation to the Spring Valley subdivision and Spring Valley High School,” Spring Valley resident Amy Tolar said. “After over 40 years of such a partnership it is unspeakable that the neighborhood that is synonymous with the school will be cut from its roots. Both entities will suffer, as this has been a mutually beneficial relationship over time. …Our neighborhood is Spring Valley.”

While the attendance line scenarios differ, the currently proposed models would likely force some Spring Valley subdivision residents to attend Richland Northeast, while others would have a choice between Spring Valley High and Richland Northeast.

More than 20 Spring Valley residents attended Tuesday’s meeting, often applauding their neighbors after they spoke in front of the Board of Trustees.

Other Richland Two parents expressed concerns about Ridge View High School, specifically its Scholars Academy program. Because Scholars Academy is only offered at Ridge View, parents said they were worried that their children would be unable to finish the program, if they were rezoned for Blythewood High.

Some Lake Carolina residents whose children currently attend Ridge View, worried about traffic problems if they were rezoned for Blythewood.

The Board of Trustees allowed two residents of each subdivision to speak during the first public participation session and two additional residents to speak during the second public participation session. As a result, some citizens who signed up were unable to speak.

Board chairwoman Stephanie Burgess said she had received 3,000 emails regarding rezoning, which drew applause from the Spring Valley residents, who vowed to continue emailing and making their opinions known.

Board members and district employees are continuing to examine the possible attendance lines and consider public feedback, Burgess said. A final proposal could be before the board for a vote as soon as Nov. 8. 

“There will not be any solution that make the entire population completely satisfied,” board member Chip Jackson said as he commended Chief Planning Officer Fred McDaniel for slowing down the process to allow consideration of public concerns.

“The best decision [will] be reached regardless of the impact it has on the calendar … it’s too important,” Jackson said.