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London ISD parents worried about growing pains

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CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Parents who have children who attend London ISD schools are worried about the school's overcrowding, especially if new development comes to the area.

The district's student population has been on the rise for the past decade, averaging up to 60 new students every year. London ISD Superintendent Judi Whitis says this year that went up to 100 new students.

The district has been planning for this type of growth for years. A new elementary school is being built that has 14 additional classrooms.

The school is expected to be finished by the end of the school year. There is a Phase 2 of the project, that would need to be approved by the voters through a bond, before moving forward.

However, some parents worry it's not going to be enough.

"This school is already overcrowded," said parent Russell Armand. "So I don't think they can build another school fast enough to accommodate the homes as they go up. With any kind of development, you'll have to deal with the growing pains, I suppose."

At this time, there are no plans to build an additional middle school or high school campus. The district says every year they look at their future plans, and make changes as needed.

Last night, city council members and Moses Mostaghasi, the local developer who wants to build more than 1,400 homes next to London ISD, heard concerns from residents about the proposed development in the area.

If the council approves the development, those homes would be built on 450 acres of land out there. The proposed site is right next to London ISD and on a busy FM 43.

During that meeting, residents said they're most concerned about the development putting a strain on drainage and infrastructure, and leading to heavier traffic in the area.

City council will have the final say on the zoning request. They're expected to vote on the request next Tuesday.