School choice, she said, "will be the same with the new (east-side) school district. Those living on the west and wanting to go to school on the east can continue to do that. ... I don't see any problem or conflict. We have talked through that and that will continue with the rules as they were before."

Allen notes the split would not disrupt a single school feeder system and that boundaries probably won't have to change.

The matter really comes down to trust. There is no school board in place to bring petitions or questions about school choice, policy or governance. Cities initiating these ballot questions will not run the school districts.

Those passionate about breaking away, however, are likely to seek a school board seat. And Allen is certain those new board members will be eager to hear from and respond to their new constituents — a big reason why they're seeking to form their own agency in the first place — as they get established.

The new board will be elected in June and take office in mid-July, then have a year to create governance model, policies and other matters associated with running a school district.

"If I have any involvement in it ... I would say look, we'll allow choice; that's what's fundamental in providing parents the opportunity to get the best education for their kids," Allen said. "The vision is they're going to pull the community together. I have faith in the process, I have faith in people."

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E-mail: jtcook@desnews.com