New Residential Zone Brings Over Crowding Concern

The Madison City Council approved two residential zoning ordinances that will bring in more than 250 new homes, a move some residents fear will lead to overcrowding.

It was intentional.

As the city of madision grows -- so does the school district.

Now -- people are concerned it's becoming overcrowded!

Just last night -- the city council approved two residential zoning ordinances that will bring in more than 250 new homes.

Waay31's megan reyna is live in madison after speaking with the school superintendent on what needs to be done to ensure the district can handle this growth, megan?

The school district has already been dealing with an influx of students.

In fact, right behind me is a new elementary school set to open next year.

But superintendent ed nichols made it clear to city council last night -- he's not taking a stance -- but being transparant on what the future of the school district may look like.

After more than four hours of back and forth from city council... nats residents in madison... nats and at one point... dr. ed nichols himself... nats city council chose to approve two new residential projects.

One of the main concerns among critics was the potential for overcrowding in the schools.

In fact -- the district is already addressing the current overcrowding issues with a new elementary and middle school in the works.

Nichols says:"our challenge will be if we continue to grow like we are, that we will have a challenge at the elementary level in probably five to seven years."

Currently -- the district has around 12,000 students.

In 7 to 9 years -- at the rate the city is growing -- nichols expects that number to be close to 15,000.

Nichols says it's possible they'll eventually need to build another elementary school... or expand a middle school and high school.

Nichols says:"we want to look down the road, we want to be good stewards of the money that we have, we want to be prepared for that growth.

That is my challenge, you know making sure we know those future expansions we are looking at."

Erica colo and her family moved to madison more than six years ago because of the school district.

Colo says:"that was our main driving factor when we selected our house."

Just within those six years -- she's seen the city boom.

And with just two high schools -- colo wonders if that's enough.

Colo says:"i am concerned that the high school she is going to be at is going to be way too crowded."

But dr. nichols says virtual learning may help eliviate this issue.

He says the district will have to wait and see post- pandemic how many students continue this way of learning.

Nichols says:"right now, we're good, but we gotta a year or two that we got to be prepared and have a plan in place to see how those numbers grow so we can judge what's going to happen after the pandemic as it related to virtual."

The superintendent also pointed out the district includes the town of triana -- which is also a growing community.

Reporting live in madison mr waay 31 news