It’s hard to fit in during high school, and it’s not any easier when a kid switches schools.

An impromptu gathering Monday night brought together Iowa City School Board members and Hills residents, who expressed concern about redistricting. Proposed plans would transfer Hills students from West High, 2901 Melrose Ave., across town to City High, 1900 Morningside Drive.

Around 65 residents attended the meeting, worrying about academic, logistical, and social issues.

Parents echoed a common redistricting concern — that displaced students’ academic performance may take a dive.

Many parents felt the district was draining Hills, as students are continually shifted away from Hills into other elementary schools. Teachers frequently switch from Hills to other schools, parents said.

The parents said they believe long commutes are undesirable for teenage drivers, especially when crossing railroad tracks or traveling on the freeway. The kids are pressed for time, also — extracurricular activities will be increasingly difficult, parents said.

One mother told the School Board she expected her son could be on a bus for an hour and 15 minutes — all but exhausting the legal time permitted in Iowa school districts.

There’s a social concern as well. One parent said many farmers’ kids from the Hills area could be more shy and have more trouble fitting in. She asked the School Board to leave them be, as they were, at West.

And of course, there is the old-fashioned high-school rivalry.

“Growing up in Iowa City, you have that rivalry,” said West High senior Nicole Hebl. “It’s the mindset that you are going to be a Trojan or a Hawk.”

The School Board members stressed the importance of parental input in decision making.

“We work best as a School District when we work together,” said Superintendent Steve Murley.

But the members held firm.

“We have to look at the academic sides of things, too,” said School Board President Patti Fields.