The NSW government may be forced to back down over a shock decision to change school enrolment zones in Jerrabomberra.
Residents learnt at the end of last week that families living north of Edwin Land Parkway would not be able to enrol in Jerrabomberra Public School next year if they were not already enrolled or didn't already have a sibling at the school.
Instead, the students would have to be enrolled in Queanbeyan South Public School.
Students on that side of the road, known as Jerrabomberra Heights, would also not be able to enrol in the new Jerrabomberra High School.
Jerrabomberra Public School Parents and Citizens Association president Kylie Prescott said the community was shocked and surprised at the announcement, which came without consultation.
"It feels like we've been cut off at the knees," she said.
Jessica Perkins was going to keep her daughter in preschool for another year, but instead decided to enrol her late to get into her preferred school.
"It was completely devastating for our family. We were very overwhelmed," Ms Perkins said.
"We were faced with a lot of difficult decisions to make in a very short amount of time."
Ms Perkins can see the new high school being built, but with the new enrolment zone her daughter wouldn't be allowed to attend.
Enrolments at Jerrabomberra Public School are booming, with about 940 students enrolled this year. The school already has about 15 demountable classrooms installed on what used to be its oval.
The new high school, which is set to open next year, will have capacity for just 500 students.
Jerrabomberra Residents Association president Margot Sachse said people had bought houses in the area - where prices are often above $1 million - specifically to send their children to these schools.
"Clearly, whoever made this decision was in Sydney and had not a clue about our community and ... the decision they made reflects that," Ms Sachse said.
She said the community had lobbied many years for the high school but it was not going to meet the needs of the area, which has amount of Defence Force families. Residents quickly mobilised after the announcement, sending letters to their state and local representatives.
A Department of Education spokesperson said the new boundaries were developed in consultation with school leadership teams, local principals and the changing demographic data collected.
The recently elected state member for Monaro, Nichole Overall, appeared to be blindsided by the decision.
Ms Overall said in a statement on Tuesday that consultation on the school zones for Jerrabomberra, Bungendore and Googong had begun after conversations with Education Minister Sarah Mitchell and the NSW Department of Education. Submissions close on April 8.
"Following this, all matters raised will be considered in as timely a manner as possible, after which I will hold a public meeting to further engage with the community on the outcomes," Ms Overall said.
NSW Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said Ms Overall had been proactive in raising concerns on behalf of the community.
"Every child has a right to access a public school. School catchments allow us to spread the population across the existing schools in the area," Ms Mitchell said.
"I have asked the department to reengage with the community to find a suitable solution. An online survey is now available for families to provide feedback, and I would encourage them to have their say."
