Boundaries Changed to Curb High Enrollment at Imperial Elementary

Imperial Elementary School, one of the fastest-growing grade schools in the Downey Unified School District, has been granted a boundary change to curb its enrollment and allow the overflow of students to attend nearby Rio Hondo Elementary.

To limit the number of students at Imperial, the Board of Education voted unanimously last week to transfer to Rio Hondo all kindergarten and first-grade students who live in an area bounded by Firestone Boulevard, Stewart & Gray Road, Paramount Boulevard and Downey Avenue. The transfer will take place in the fall.

Children who will be in grades two through five at Imperial next fall may remain there or transfer to Rio Hondo. Transfers of children whose parents work but do not live in the district will not be approved. Students’ addresses will be verified and students living outside the Imperial school boundaries will be transferred.

Deputy Supt. Donna Boose estimated that nearly 100 children will be affected by the boundary change. As of the beginning of the 1988-89 school year, Imperial had 750 pupils enrolled, more than officials expect for the 1989-90 school year.

The boundary change will not affect middle school or high school students.