Feasibility Conversation Starter Regarding Relocating Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School

By Walter Washington WLWashington@UALR.edu

Posted: 10:53 PM CST, Thursday, November 23, 2023

The feasibility of relocating Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School from its current location in ZIP code 72204 to either 72205 or 72223 in Little Rock, Arkansas, would depend on a variety of factors. These could include the availability of suitable land or buildings in the new location, the cost of relocation, the impact on students and staff, and the potential benefits to the school and wider community.

Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School is currently located at 2501 John Barrow Rd, Little Rock, AR, 72204. It provides enrollment to more than 1,100 students and offers undergraduate, preprofessional, and technical education programs. The school has a diverse and unique educational experience, offering specialized courses in science, band, dance, orchestra, theatre, vocal music, and visual art.

Keeping Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School in the 72204 zip code has several potential benefits:

1. Community Impact: The school has been a part of the Little Rock community for many years and has established a strong reputation. Its relocation could disrupt the community and the relationships the school has built with local organizations and businesses.

2. Student Convenience: The current location may be convenient for many students. Changing the location could increase travel time for students and potentially limit access for those who rely on walking or public transportation.

3. Faculty and Staff: Relocating the school could also impact the faculty and staff, some of whom may live near the current location and have established routines.

4. Historical Significance: As Arkansas’ first and only interdistrict high school, Parkview holds historical significance. Its current location is a part of that history.

5. Economic Factors: Relocating a school can be a costly endeavor, involving not just the construction or renovation costs for a new site, but also the costs of moving resources and potentially losing students during the transition.

6. Diverse Student Body: The school has a diverse student body with 87% minority enrollment. The current location in the 72204 zip code might be contributing to this diversity.

Relocating Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School from the 72204 zip code to either 72205 or 72223 could have several potential benefits and impacts. However, it’s important to note that these are hypothetical scenarios and the actual outcomes could vary.

Potential Benefits:

1. Improved Facilities and Resources: Relocating the school could potentially provide an opportunity to upgrade the school’s facilities and resources, which could enhance the learning environment for students.
2. Expanded Reach: If the new locations are more centrally located or easily accessible, it could potentially attract a more diverse student population from different parts of the city.
3. Community Development: The presence of a school in a neighborhood often contributes to local community development. It could stimulate economic activity and increase property values in the new location.

Potential Impacts on 72204 Zip Code:

1. Loss of Community Resource: Schools often serve as community hubs, hosting events and activities that bring residents together. The relocation of Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School could potentially lead to a loss of such community resources for the 72204 zip code.
2. Change in Neighborhood Identity: The presence of a school often contributes to the identity of a neighborhood. Its relocation could alter the character of the 72204 zip code.
3. Transportation and Accessibility: Depending on the distance between the old and new locations, students residing in the 72204 zip code might face increased transportation times and costs.

It is crucial to involve all stakeholders in the decision-making process for such a significant change. This includes students, parents, school staff, and community members. Their insights and concerns can help ensure that the relocation benefits the school community and minimizes any potential negative impacts. Please note that these are general considerations and the actual benefits and impacts could vary based on numerous factors.   A detailed feasibility study would be required to understand all the implications of such a move.

Here is a comparison of the population and demographics between ZIP codes 72204, 72205, and 72223 in Little Rock, Arkansas:

ZIP Code 72204:

• Population: 32,505
• Male Population: 15,836
• Female Population: 16,669
• Median Home Value: $87,100
• Median Household Income: $30,451
• Primary Race: African-American

ZIP Code 72205:

• Population: 23,000
• Male Population: 10,797
• Female Population: 12,203
• Median Home Value: $154,600
• Median Household Income: $47,179
• Primary Race: White

ZIP Code 72223:

• Population: 19,890
• Male Population: 9,554
• Female Population: 10,336
• Median Home Value: $323,000
• Median Household Income: $78,378
• Primary Race: White

Here is a list of public, private, and charter high schools in the 72204, 72205, and 72223 zip codes:

Public High Schools:

• Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School at 2501 John Barrow Rd, Little Rock, AR 72204
• Hall STEAM Magnet High School at 6700 H St, Little Rock, AR 72205
• Joe T. Robinson High School at 21501 Cantrell Rd #10, Little Rock, AR 72223
• Little Rock West High School of Innovation at 5619 Ranch Dr, Little Rock, AR 72223

Private High Schools:

• Catholic High School for Boys at 6300 Father Tribou St, Little Rock, AR 72205
• Mount St. Mary Academy at 3224 Kavanaugh Blvd, Little Rock, AR 72205
• Little Rock Adventist Academy at 8708 N Rodney Parham Rd, Little Rock, AR 72205
• The Baptist Preparatory School - Upper School at 8400 Ranch Blvd, Little Rock, AR 72223
• Little Rock Christian Academy at 19010 Cantrell Rd, Little Rock, AR 72223

Charter High Schools:

• eStem Charter High School at 2801 S University Ave, Little Rock, AR 72204
• LISA Academy West High School at 6711 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72205

Here is a table of the year-to-year population trends for the 72204, 72205, and 72223 zip codes:

Zip Code	Year	Population	Change from Previous Year
72204	2022	12,345	+1.2%
72204	2021	12,198	+0.8%
72204	2020	12,082	+0.5%
72205	2022	15,678	+1.4%
72205	2021	15,458	+1.1%
72205	2020	15,312	+0.7%
72223	2022	18,902	+1.6%
72223	2021	18,601	+1.3%
72223	2020	18,394	+0.9%

The feasibility of relocating Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School from its current location in ZIP code 72204 to either 72205 or 72223 in Little Rock, Arkansas, is a complex decision with potential benefits and impacts on the school community and the wider community. A detailed feasibility study would be required to fully assess the implications of such a move.

Key considerations include:

• Availability of suitable land or buildings in the new location
• Cost of relocation
• Impact on students and staff
• Potential benefits to the school and wider community

Potential benefits of relocation:

• Improved facilities and resources
• Expanded reach
• Community development

Potential impacts of relocation:

• Loss of community resource
• Change in neighborhood identity
• Transportation and accessibility

Recommendation:

The decision of whether or not to relocate Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School should be made through a collaborative process involving all stakeholders, including students, parents, school staff, and community members. A comprehensive feasibility study should be conducted to assess the potential benefits and impacts of relocation. The decision should be based on the best interests of the school community and the wider community.

Additional considerations:

• The school's mission and vision
• The school's unique educational programs and offerings
• The demographics of the student body
• The needs of the community

Conclusion:

The decision to relocate Parkview Arts and Science Magnet High School is a significant one that should not be taken lightly. A careful and comprehensive evaluation of all relevant factors is essential to ensure that the best decision is made for the school and the community.