Houston County Parent Wants Re-zoning Appeal

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A Houston County parent threatens to sue the school board over a re-zoning plan approved without public input.

"We were shocked."

The Houston County school board's vote on new zoning boundaries for local high schools "blind-sided" Darin Rase and his neighbors.

After months of debate over two zoning proposals, a third was introduced and immediately passed last week.

"It was very surprising, disappointing.. The fact that we didn't have a chance to speak or have an opinion on this third proposal before it was voted upon," Rase said.

Now, Darin has created a website -- fighthocozoning.blogspot.com --  to lead an effort demanding school board members change their mind.

Darin has gone door-to-door drumming up support for his fight against the school board.  So far, he has about two dozen parents who say they'll stand by him.

"we're going to be a very loud voice to petition the board to reconsider this."

School Board Chairman Tom Walmer said, "They're within their rights to ask us to reconsider obviously, but I don't foresee that happening."

Walmer adds the approved zoning map satisfies the majority of the community; and not everyone will be happy.

But Darin said "they have an obligation to listen to the public more than they did."

He says if his voice is not loud enough, maybe his lawyer's will be.  If the school board doesn't have a change of heart, he's prepared to sue the school district.

"If it does come to that, it'll be unfortunate."

Walmer says he's confidant in the process and does not have any concerns about a possible lawsuit.

To read Darin's blog or join his effort, click here.