On Wednesday, January 7, the Bethlehem Central Board of Education moved closer to finalizing an elementary rezoning plan designed to balance enrollment and class sizes across the district’s five elementary schools.
After reviewing a presentation from mapping consultant Tyler Technologies that outlined four newly developed rezoning options, the Board identified two preferred plans—Options 3A and 3B (described below)—for further consideration. The Board is expected to make a final decision on one of these options at its next meeting on Wednesday, January 21.
At the Jan. 21 meeting, the Board is also expected to discuss the feasibility of “grandfathering” current fourth-grade students under each plan. If approved, grandfathering could allow those students to remain at their current schools for fifth grade in the 2026-27 school year.
District administrators will also outline plans to ensure a smooth transition for all students and staff following any changes approved by the Board.
Final Rezoning Options Under Consideration
The Board is expected to make a final decision on one of the following options at its meeting on Wednesday, January 21.
Option 3-A – Moves 145 Students
View Option 3-A map [PDF]
- NPU 8: From Glenmont to Hamagrael (40)
- NPU 16: From Glenmont to Hamagrael (35)
- NPU 40: From Slingerlands to Elsmere (15)*
- NPU 53 From Eagle to Slingerlands (0)
- NPU 54 From Eagle to Slingerlands (33)
- NPU 57: From Eagle to Hamagrael (8)
- NPU 58: From Eagle to Hamagrael (1)
- NPU 89: From Eagle to Hamagrael (11)
- NPU 90: From Eagle to Hamagrael (2)
*If approved, students in NPU 40 would move to Elsmere beginning in the 2028-29 school year. All other moves would be effective in 2026-27.
Option 3-B – Moves 154 Students
View Option 3-B map [PDF]
- NPU 8: From Glenmont to Hamagrael (40)
- NPU 16: From Glenmont to Hamagrael (35)
- NPU 40: From Slingerlands to Elsmere* (15)*
- NPU 51 From Eagle to Hamagrael (31)
- NPU 53 From Eagle to Slingerlands (0)
- NPU 54 From Eagle to Slingerlands (33)
*If approved, students in NPU 40 would move to Elsmere beginning in the 2028-29 school year. All other moves would be effective in 2026-27.
Jan. 21 Board of Education Meeting at BCMS
The next Board of Education meeting will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. at Bethlehem Central Middle School, in the Library Media Center. The meeting will also be livestreamed.
Comments or questions regarding rezoning can be emailed to districtoffice@bethlehemschools.org. These will be shared with Board members in advance of the Jan. 21 meeting.