KEARNEY, Neb. - The Kearney Public School District is exploring changes to how students are split between local middle schools as growth on the city’s west side is predicted to cause over-crowding.

Most recent development has happened on Kearney's west side, with Horizon Middle school steadily growing larger.

According to KPS, Horizon middle school is projected to have 700 students by 2026, while Sunrise at just 550.

Large incoming classes of 4th through 6th graders is putting additional pressure on future capacity.

The school board is considering several options, including reassigning which elementary schools feed into each middle school.

The most popular option gaining the most momentum would shift Emerson students to Horizon, and Buffalo Hills students to Sunrise.

Board members say they encourage community feedback as they move toward a final decision.