Dear Families,

As Northwest Allen County Schools prepares to open Willow Creek Middle School for the 2026–2027 school year, we have reached an important milestone in the middle school rebalancing process. 

After extensive analysis and careful consideration of family feedback, the Board of School Trustees has approved Option 4 (Cedar Canyon Split) as the new middle school boundary plan. This decision follows a comprehensive review of four boundary options and feedback from families across the district. 

Family input played a critical role in this process. The Middle School Boundary Survey was shared through ParentSquare with 9,208 parents and guardians, and 1,405 families provided feedback between December 9, 2025, and January 5, 2026. Across all options, families consistently identified friend groups, school proximity/travel time, and long-term stability as their top considerations.

Option 1 (No Feeders) received moderate approval but would split four elementary schools, creating the greatest disruption to friend groups—despite families ranking friendships as their top priority.  For this reason, Option 1 was not recommended.

While Option 2 (All Feeders) received the highest level of family approval, it also created the largest enrollment imbalance across the three middle schools. That imbalance would require additional staffing, including five additional teachers, one instructional assistant, and one administrator, at an estimated ongoing cost of $600,000 per year. Given current budget constraints, the district cannot sustainably absorb these additional costs. Additionally, the imbalance would result in uneven educational opportunities between schools. For these reasons, Option 2 was not recommended.

Option 3 (Aspen Meadow Split) produced a strong enrollment balance but resulted in longer travel times for more families than other options. For this reason, Option 3 was not recommended.

Option 4 (Cedar Canyon Split) was recommended because it provides the most balanced, sustainable approach:

We understand that any boundary change can be difficult, and that some students will be transitioning to a new school. Our goal is to implement a plan that is stable over time and to provide strong support for students who are impacted. Orientation opportunities, school visits, and transition supports—including resources for students receiving special services—will be offered to help ensure a smooth start.

Additional information, including boundary maps, timelines, FAQs, and next steps, can be found on our dedicated webpage at nacs.k12.in.us/rebalance which will be continuously updated as new information is available. Future updates will also continue to be shared through ParentSquare.

Thank you for your engagement, feedback, and partnership as we plan for the future of our middle schools and the success of all NACS students.

Sincerely,

Wayne Barker

Superintendent, Northwest Allen County Schools