Elementary School Boundaries in East Moline to Be Redrawn for the 2026-27 School Year
East Moline School District Announces Significant Structural Changes for 2026-27 School Year
EAST MOLINE, Ill. — The East Moline School District (EMSD) is poised to implement significant changes affecting the educational framework within its schools. As part of an effort to enhance academic achievements and streamline operations, the district will reformulate grade distributions and adjust school boundaries effective in the 2026-27 academic year.
Under the new structure, all elementary schools in the district will cater to students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade, allowing for a more consistent and extended elementary experience. Glenview Middle School will consequently accommodate students in grades six through eight. This restructuring is backed by research indicating that a prolonged elementary education correlates positively with academic performance, social-emotional development, and overall well-being as students transition into middle school settings.
Currently, Ridgewood Elementary School is projected to grow to approximately 850-900 students, while other elementary institutions will maintain smaller enrollments, averaging around 250 students each. The district operates four elementary schools, an Early Learning Center, and Glenview Middle School, highlighting the diversity of educational offerings available to local families.
In conjunction with these grade-level changes, EMSD has announced plans to redraw school boundaries. According to district administrators, the present boundaries have resulted in inefficiencies within the transportation system, prompting the need for revisions. The new boundaries aim to facilitate walkable routes for students to access their neighborhood schools, thereby promoting safety and ease of transportation.
A comprehensive timeline has been established to guide the boundary adjustment process, which comprises several key milestones. In May 2025, the district will present a draft of the redistricting plan to the Board of Education, with preliminary proposals to follow in June. Final recommendations are expected by August 2025, leading to notifications to families regarding school placements in October 2025. Efforts to inform staff of any changes to their assignments will commence by January 2026.
For families needing to make transfer requests, a deadline has been set for May 1, 2026, while transportation details are anticipated to become available in August 2026.
To further engage the community, EMSD will hold two listening sessions for families seeking additional information about the upcoming changes. The first session is scheduled for Thursday, June 5, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Hillcrest Elementary School, specifically targeted at families enrolled in the Spanish bilingual program. The second session will occur on Monday, June 9, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the District Administration Center, welcoming all EMSD families to participate.
Additional updates and resources pertaining to the redistricting initiative can be found on the EMSD website, where the district will continue to share relevant developments as they unfold. This proactive approach aims to foster transparency and community involvement as the district navigates these important changes.
