Smithfield — School leaders are almost ready to start talking to parents about attendance boundaries for Powhatan Elementary School and revised boundaries for West Johnston High.

Maps of the proposed boundaries were not ready for Tuesday’s board meeting. But Superintendent Anthony Parker said the new elementary school, under construction on Vinson Road, could draw students from East Clayton and three other elementary schools.

“That’s going to split the East Clayton district almost in half,” Parker said. “It also impacts River Dell in a minor way, and we’re also looking at adjusting Wilson’s Mills in a minor way and also West Smithfield.”

Parker said the proposal would allow Powhatan to open with 527 students next year while cutting East Clayton’s enrollment to 500. River Dell Elementary would go to 700 students, Wilson’s Mills would start the year with 690, and West Smithfield would have 568.

Parker said changes in the West High lines would ease overcrowding until a Cleveland-area high school opened in 2010. Also, the changes would align Four Oaks and Benson middle schools to feed into South Johnston High School.

“We’re really looking at the ninth grade being involved in this, and it would be an option for upperclassmen,” Parker said.

The move would affect about 100 students.

Parker said maps of the proposed lines would go up on the school system’s Web site, www.johnston.k12.nc.us, as soon as possible. Community meetings could take place in April.