The last time
the city of Fort Thomas had the school districts revised was around 1996.  Fort Thomas Matters received information that suggested another redistricting may be on the horizon, so I got in contact with Gene
Kirchner, superintendent of The Fort Thomas Independent Schools to clear up some school district rumors.

Mr. Kirchner did
acknowledge that Ruth Moyer Elementary is the largest of the three elementary
schools, and that it is technically over capacity.  He said, “While
the Fort Thomas Board of Education is concerned about the space issue at Moyer,
there is no immediate plan for redistricting. Our focus at this time is on
providing the additional resources necessary to improve the experience for the
students and staff that are currently at Moyer.”

The school board’s focus does include
replacing the mobile classrooms on the back lawn with new units which are larger
and equipped with bathrooms.
 Logistically the new larger classroom
units will be accompanied by a drop off loop that will wrap around the school
alleviating the traffic on Highland Avenue.

Mr. Kirchner did
not flat out deny the redistricting rumors though, he advised, “There is always the possibility that some form of
redistricting might have to occur in the future. However, at this point the
earliest that could occur would be the 2014-15 school year.”

With Samuel Woodfill Elementary being
newly renovated it would make sense that they accept a portion of the Moyer
students to lessen the crowd there.

Another rumor that FTM wanted to clear up
was that the age for children to start kindergarten had been changed.  Mr. Kirchner confirmed this rumor saying, “The
state of Kentucky has indeed made a change to the law. However, my
understanding is that it won’t go into effect until the 2017-18 school year.”  He went on to explain, “Currently, all
students who turn five by October 1st are
eligible to begin kindergarten. The new rule will change the eligibility date
to August 1st. As such, students who are four years old when the school
year begins will not be eligible for kindergarten.”

Mr. Kirchner stressed the fact that this
change is a state regulation, not a Fort Thomas Board of Education decision.

What are your thoughts on the potential
change with the school district?  How do
you feel about the age regulation for kindergarten registration being changed?  Leave your comments below or on one of our
social media outlets.