Across the United States, school zoning policies continue to shape a child’s educational opportunities. The neighborhood where a student lives often determines which public school they attend, which in turn impacts access to resources, teacher quality, and advanced learning opportunities.
This issue is explored in depth in Lonnie Palmer’s recent article, School Zoning, Unequal Education, which highlights how zoning policies create disparities that mirror historic segregation patterns.
Why School Zoning Reinforces Inequality
- Tied to Property Wealth – Because school funding often relies on local property taxes, wealthier neighborhoods enjoy better facilities and programs while lower-income areas are left behind.
- Barriers to Diversity – Zoning lines frequently prevent meaningful integration, even when more diverse schools are nearby.
- Cycle of Disadvantage – Students in under-resourced schools face limited access to experienced teachers, extracurriculars, and college prep courses widening the opportunity gap.
Possible Solutions
- Redrawing Attendance Boundaries to encourage greater equity.
- Regional Funding Models that balance resources across districts.
- Community Engagement so families can advocate for fairer policies.
As Palmer points out in School Zoning, Unequal Education, solving this challenge requires both local action and national policy support.
Why This Conversation Matters
Educational equity is about more than school buildings it’s about giving every child, regardless of their zip code, a fair shot at success. By addressing unfair zoning practices, policymakers and communities can take meaningful steps toward reducing disparities in public education.
To read the full analysis and explore actionable solutions, visit Lonnie Palmer’s blog:
👉 School Zoning, Unequal Education
