Augusta schools may face system-wide rezoning

Augusta's Richmond County school system is considering a massive system-wide rezoning as student enrollment drops there.

Augusta has about 1000 less students than it did this time four years ago, and that's costing money.

The rezoning is part of the school board's efforts to save money by streamlining or consolidating schools.

The superintendent, Dr. Dana Bedden, is recommending the rezoning. He's also anticipating tensions from the community that might result.

"In the end, we hope people will see and feel that it wasn't a rush decision, and no one's being picked on because there was an opinion based on race or socioeconomic status or the haves and the have nots," says Bedden. "It's going to be based on what's good for the system."

School officials are unclear how much rezoning would cost initially, or how much cost savings...the ultimate goal...will be.

The rezoning is still just a proposal. The process will involve public hearings, and it must comply with a federal court desegregation order.