Dozens of Johnston County parents expressed concerns about a high school redistricting plan at a public hearing Thursday night.

Two new high schools will open next year: Cleveland High School in Clayton and Corinth Holders High School in Wendell.

Under the current proposal, hundreds of students from West Johnston High School would go to Cleveland High.

And hundreds from Clayton High, Smithfield-Selma High, and North Johnston High would go to Corinth Holders High.

The district's goal is to have each high school about 80 percent full, creating room for growth for the next ten years.

But some parents say the plan splits communities and families.

"Any time that you redraw lines, you're going to create emotions. And you have to draw a line in the sand at some point in time," said Superintendent Ed Croom.

The current plan says only 9th and 10th graders would go to the new schools next year. But officials are thinking about moving 11th and 12th graders as well to keep families together.

Other parents are concerned that the elective courses and extracurricular activities at the new schools will not be as good initially.

"Most of the time new schools do not have all the programs that established schools have," said Dawn Wilkins of Clayton.

Croom says the new schools will offer the same programs and activities. But he admits that it takes time for schools to establish their programs and reputations.

Other parents say they just have too much invested in their current schools.

"She's in the marching band," said Gwen Braswell of her daughter. "And we have a lot of money and time invested at SSS, and I'd prefer her to stay there."

The board of education has not voted on the proposal and could still make changes.