D21 Map Design Committee FAQs
Below are frequently asked questions regarding the D21 Map Design Committee. We hope this information is helpful as you learn more about the committee’s work.
What is the D21 Map Design Committee?
The D21 Map Design Committee is a community-led group formed to study the district’s current school map and consider whether it still works as well as it can for today’s students. The committee’s work will focus on research, data, community feedback, and thoughtful discussion to develop potential solutions.
Why is the district doing this now?
The district map was last redrawn 22 years ago, and our community has changed since then. Enrollment patterns, family needs, and how our schools are used have shifted over time. With all buildings recently renovated and consistent curriculum and programs in place, this is the right moment to reflect on whether the current map still best supports students.
Does this mean changes are already decided?
No. There are no predetermined outcomes. This is a true design process, and any recommendations will be shaped by the committee’s work, research, and community input. The district will not move forward with decisions without the committees direction.
What will the committee actually do?
The committee will:
- Review enrollment, facility, and program data
- Learn about best practices and guiding principles
- Gather and consider community feedback
- Evaluate multiple options
- Develop potential recommendations for consideration
This process is designed to be thoughtful, transparent, and inclusive.
Who is on the Map Design Committee?
The district received more than 100 applications from community members interested in participating. Thirty members were selected by Woolpert advisors, the independent consultant firm leading the research and analysis effort, to reflect balanced representation from each school attendance area. Members were also chosen for their commitment to thinking district-wide, not just about their individual school or neighborhood.
Has the committee started meeting?
Yes. The Map Design Committee held its first meeting on April 8, 2026. A large part of that meeting was devoted to reviewing community survey results alongside enrollment data, facility information, and planning best practices presented by Woolpert advisors. Updates will continue to be shared on this page as the work progresses.
What did the community survey results show?
More than 4,000 community members engaged with the survey, and 400 completed it. The community’s top three priorities for redrawing boundaries were:
- Assign students to their closest school
- Align elementary and middle school feeder patterns
- Keep entire neighborhoods assigned to the same school
Open-ended responses highlighted three additional consistent desires:
- Minimize disruption to currently enrolled students
- Align middle and high school feeder patterns
- Be mindful of bus ride times
These community survey results, along with enrollment data, facility information, and planning best practices presented by Woolpert advisors, will be instrumental as the Map Design Committee begins its work to redesign the district’s 20-year-old attendance maps.
How is the committee using the survey results?
The community survey results, along with enrollment data, facility information, and planning best practices presented by Woolpert advisors, will be instrumental as the Map Design Committee begins its work to redesign the district’s 20-year-old attendance maps.
If I’m not on the committee, how can I share my input?
There will be multiple opportunities for community feedback throughout the process. This will include surveys and community engagement opportunities once the committee’s work is underway. Feedback will be shared with and considered by the committee as part of its decision-making process.
The first community survey closed on March 13, 2026. Results will be shared with the community and will be used by the committee to guide their work. Additional surveys and engagement opportunities will be available as the process moves forward.
What is the timeline for this process?
The Map Design Committee process is expected to unfold over several months and will generally include:
- February: Process launch and committee recruitment
- March: Community survey and committee applications closed; 30 members selected
- April: Committee begins meeting (first meeting: April 8)
- Spring: Community feedback opportunities and continued committee work
- Late Spring / Early Summer: Potential development of recommendations
The timeline is intentionally flexible. Additional time will be added if the committee determines it is needed to do the work well.
When will final decisions be made?
Any recommendations will come from the committee’s work and be shared publicly for formal consideration by the Board of Education. No final decisions will be made without committee input, community engagement, and appropriate time for review.
Will changes create differences in opportunities between schools?
No. D21 buildings have been recently renovated, and curriculum, programs, and services are consistent across the district. Evaluating the map will not create opportunity gaps for students.
When would any changes be implemented?
Any potential changes would take time, and implementation would not occur until the 2027-28 school year or later. The Map Design Committee first needs to research, gather feedback, and evaluate reasonable options.
How does changing the district map benefit students?
Children benefit from balanced schools. When schools are evenly balanced, classrooms, programs, and shared spaces function as intended, supporting student learning and development and reducing challenges caused by overcrowding.
How does this respect taxpayers?
Using the district’s 13 safe, well-maintained facilities efficiently respects the community’s investment and directs resources where they matter most — classrooms, programs, and student services.
Where can I find updates as the process moves forward?
All updates, materials, timelines, and feedback opportunities will be shared on the district website and through district communication channels throughout the process.
Maximize the achievement and honor the uniqueness of every student, every day.
