Pasco Weighs Redrawing Columbia River Elementary Boundaries
The Pasco School Board is considering attendance boundary changes as the overcrowded school faces forecast enrollment growth of 38%.
Updated on Nov. 15, 2026 in Primary Education
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The Pasco School Board is considering redrawing attendance boundaries for Columbia River Elementary, which is over capacity as new housing continues to spring up in the Broadmoor area. The adjustment would affect as many as 200 students, and the district is soliciting feedback from families.
Why it matters
Columbia River Elementary is over capacity while about 4,600 new homes are planned or permitted in its area, and enrollment is forecast to top 1,000 students if no action is taken. The decision affects families around Road 68 and between Sandifur Parkway and Burns Road, and reflects the broader challenge of keeping pace with residential growth across Pasco.
Pasco operates 17 public elementary schools serving nearly 7,900 K-5 students. Under the first scenario, operating savings from bus routes are estimated at $10,400, though the district has not finalized how the costs would be distributed.
The players
Pasco School District
The public school district serving Pasco, Washington, which operates 17 elementary schools and is proposing the boundary changes.
The details
The district is considering three boundary scenarios that would move students to Maya Angelou Elementary or Barbara McClintock STEM Elementary. Fifth-grade students could remain at their current school for their final year, with parents asked to complete an exemption form.
Timeline
2020: Columbia River Elementary opened at 9011 Burns Road.
January 2027: The school board is expected to decide on boundary changes.
Fall 2027: Affected students could begin attending Maya Angelou or Barbara McClintock.
Season Trajectory
Pasco's proposal follows a pattern set by Richland School District, which redrew a wedge from Badger Mountain Elementary into Lewis & Clark Elementary last school year. Pasco also voter-approved Sageview High School in 2023, which opened in fall 2025, showing growth pressure is spreading from elementary to secondary schools.
Families living around Road 68 and between Sandifur Parkway and Burns Road could see their children reassigned to a different elementary school. Parents of fifth-graders may need to file an exemption form to keep their child at Columbia River for the final year.
The takeaway
Families in growing districts should watch for boundary proposals and provide feedback during comment periods, since decisions can directly affect which school a child attends.
What happens next
The Pasco School Board is expected to decide on the Columbia River Elementary boundary changes in January 2027, with affected students potentially transferring in fall 2027.
Further reading
Explore more on Primary Education to see how other districts handle enrollment growth.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Tri-City Herald.
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