Long Range Facility Plan: FAQs about Boundary Adjustments For Pooler Elementary and Bloomingdale Elementary Schools

Frequently Asked Questions about the Bloomingdale & Pooler Elementary School Boundary Changes

Key Points of the Plan:

• Pooler Elementary School will begin a construction project to create a new Early Learning Center for students in Pre-K through 1st grade.
• During construction, Pooler Elementary will temporarily relocate to the Bloomingdale Elementary (Bloomingdale Elementary and Pooler Elementary will operate as separate schools on the Bloomingdale campus).
• Beginning next year, Bloomingdale Elementary will add one grade level each year, eventually becoming a 2-8 school by the 2028–2029 school year.
• In SY 26-27, Bloomingdale students in Pre-K-1st Grade who are rezoned to Pooler ELC will remain at Bloomingdale Elementary until construction at Pooler is completed.
• Starting in the 2028–2029 school year, Pre-K through 1st grade students will attend the new Early Learning Center at Pooler Elementary.
• Bloomingdale Elementary has a student capacity of 1,000.

1. What is happening with Bloomingdale Elementary and Pooler Elementary?

• Pooler Elementary will be renovated and transformed into an Early Learning Center (ELC) for Pre-K through 1st grade students. During renovations, Pooler students will be reassigned to Bloomingdale Elementary.
• Bloomingdale will serve as a swing site until the Pooler ELC opens in SY28/29. After renovations, Pooler ELC will serve grade bands PK-1, and Bloomingdale will serve grades 2-8.

2. Will my child’s school assignment change?

• If your child is in Pre-K, K, or 1st grade at Pooler, they will temporarily attend Bloomingdale during renovations.
• If your child is in grades 2–5 at Pooler, they will be reassigned based on new boundaries to Bloomingdale.
• Students in Pre-K through 1st grade who live within the adjusted boundaries will attend Pooler Elementary School, which will operate as a separate school while temporarily located on the Bloomingdale campus.

3. Where Will My Child Attend School next school year in 2026–2027?

• Students in Pre-K through 1st grade who live within the adjusted boundaries will attend Pooler Elementary School, which will operate as a separate school while temporarily located on the Bloomingdale campus.
• Students in grades 2–6 who live within the adjusted Bloomingdale and Pooler boundaries will attend Bloomingdale Elementary School.
• Some current Bloomingdale students who live near Highway 204 and Fort Argyle Road will attend New Hampstead K-8 School.

4. Why is the district making these changes?

• The changes are part of SCCPSS’s Long-Range Facility Plan to provide modern, high-quality learning spaces, improve academic transitions, and optimize facility use.
• This plan improves efficiency in operations and transportation and enhances safety, reducing overcrowding and travel time.
• The plan addresses the explosive growth in West Chatham County, and the anticipated needs of those families. 
• The plan aims to keep students close to home, connected to their teachers, and ready for the future.

5. What are the benefits of the new Early Learning Center and K-8 model?

• Expands access to high-quality Pre-K and early learning, a priority for our district.
• Improves academic transitions.  Students will move seamlessly from PK-1 at Pooler ELC and into upper grades in 2-8 at Bloomingdale and the new West Chatham facility that is scheduled for construction.
• Strengthens family engagement and builds continuity in instruction and relationships.
• Research shows K-8 students perform well academically and demonstrate stronger social-emotional growth.

6. How long will Pooler’s renovation take?

• Renovations are expected to take about two to three years, with the Pooler Early Learning Center opening for the SY28/29 school year.

7. How will attendance boundaries change?

• Attendance boundaries will be realigned to optimize facility usage and accommodate community growth beginning in SY 26/27
• Beginning in SY28/29, Bloomingdale will serve grades 2-8, Pooler ELC will serve PK-1, West Chatham Elementary will serve grades 2-5 and West Chatham Middle School will serve grades 6-8.  WCES and WCMS will continue in their current buildings until a new K-8 facility and a high school are constructed (SY27/28 and 28/29).

8. Will these changes affect transportation?

• Yes. The realignment is expected to reduce student ride times by 20-30 minutes, improve on-time arrivals, and maximize facility usage.

9. What is the timeline for these changes?

• Fall 2025: Community engagement sessions.
• December 2025: Board review and approval.
• Spring/Summer 2026: Finalize routing and communicate new boundaries.
• SY 2026-27: New boundaries take effect.

10. How will families be informed and supported?

• The district will provide clear, consistent messaging through newsletters, meetings, and official channels.
• Questions can be directed to school leadership or the district communications office.

11. Who can I contact with questions?

• Reach out to your school’s leadership or the district communications office for more information.

Overall, these changes are designed to support student success, strengthen family engagement, and ensure every child in western Chatham County has access to high-quality, modern learning environments.