SPRINGFIELD — Some students and parents are going to have to share in Effingham County’s growing pains.

The Effingham County Board of Education is working on a redistricting plan that will force some children to attend schools further from their homes. The move is designed to prevent overcrowding at schools.

The potential for overcrowding is most acute at the middle school level.

School officials, including Superintendent Dr. Randy Shearouse, discussed the need for new districts at a public hearing Thursday at Effingham County Middle School. They also listened to parental concerns.

About 60 people attended the event. Additional public hearings on the matter are slated Jan. 3 at 5:30 p.m. at Ebenenzer Middle School and Jan. 18 at 6 p.m. at South Effingham Middle School.

Regular school board meetings will follow both hearings.