The Alexandria City School Board voted to approve the implementation of the new boundaries in fall 2018 at their meeting last Thursday.
The decision to push the implementation of redistricting to 2018 was made with the goal of ensuring it aligns with the opening of the new Patrick Henry School building and the retrofit of office space in order to create a new elementary school in the West End, both of which are scheduled to be ready in fall 2018. The pre-K center — potentially to be co-located within John Adams Elementary School — is also likely to open in 2018.
This means that all student movements for boundary changes, new schools and pre-K would be scheduled to take place at the same time, simplifying and streamlining what would otherwise be a complicated logistical process. In addition, it will allow 18 months for any transitions and communications to take place.
“This adjustment to the implementation allows the Redistricting Review Committee to continue its work, while also insuring minimizing student impact by aligning boundary changes with the opening of new facilities. In addition, the revised implementation will allow additional time for planning and preparation for schools to welcome new families to their school communities,” said Redistricting Steering Committee Chair Ramee Gentry.
The process of deciding which boundaries to redraw will still continue this fall. The Redistricting Review Committee is continuing to meet regularly to carry out the GIS mapping work required to complete the process. There are four Community Meetings scheduled to get input and feedback from the wider Alexandria community in October and November.
Tuesday, October 18 – 7:00pm, Francis Hammond Middle School Cafeteria
Wednesday, October 19 – 5:30pm, G.W. Middle School Media Center
Monday, November 14 – 5:30pm, G.W. Middle School Media Center
Tuesday, November 15 – 7:00pm, John Adams Elementary Cafeteria
See a full list of all redistricting meeting dates.