5th, 2025 Loudoun, County, School Board, attendance Zone, public hearing and work session. Della South, Secondary School, attendance zone, change process. And I want to inform everyone that Mr. Kevin Lewis is Dr. Spence's designee again for this public hearing and work session. Welcome Dr. Mr. Lewis, um, so we will start with item 2. which is, um, Staff briefing, um, of the dellosa Secondary School,
Attendance change, processes process, presented by, uh, Miss Beverly. Tate director planning, and GIS Services, Miss Tate. Thank you. And good evening, happy Monday. Um, if you would indulge me as usual and we could quickly go through what we provided you and your meeting packet. This evening, we've got a copy of tonight's agenda. We also have a list of the speakers who will be addressing you shortly. We have a copy of tonight's presentation.
The um, math conditions without change. So if no attendance zone changes were adopted and we continue on with our present attendance zones before the opening of HS 14 we have that map we have a copy of the staff plan including the rationale as presented on April 2 2. And then as requested at your meeting last week, um, we mapped we collectively. It was those lovely people in the back, um, mapped. All of the um, redistrict plans that had
been pres proposed, as of Thursday morning, I think we've got an additional 1 that's been created since then that we did not map, but we have, um, A stapled set of those maps that I will speak to shortly. Then we have a copy of the planning zone map and in folded within that are the planning zone. Projections, for the next 6 years. then uh, Many of you asked, but I'm going to associate with Mr. Affy, um, you had asked for us to map kind of the changes
that had occurred to match the tracking chart that last Wednesday was uncolored. But has since been colored to give you a more visual of how the change changes have had. So what the, um, Map provides. And we've got a copy of the secondary map in the presentation tonight. But we've provided here, the secondary and Elementary This reflects changes from the 201415 year to the 2015 or 2014, 15 year to the 2024 25 school year. Yes. This 1.
Yeah. This 1. It's towards the back. There. Many shades of yellow. Yes. You ask for so much. So, the pale yellow indicates. The school that served the planning zone in the fall of If? A school zone change for that planning zone since then and only once, then it's dark or yellow.
if it's changed twice, Since 2014. It's the cafe latte color. I mean, it's a The dark brown which is DSO. 8 Hartland, then it's changed 3 times since 2014 but everybody's starting at the same year of 2014 and I say this because Way back in time. 20 25 years ago we had 1 School serving the whole area 1
middle, 1 high school. So when Freedom opened Then M or Mercer opened them. Freedom open and then we opened Lunsford. And then we opened champ at that point we had 2 schools and from the eastern boundary. Everything shifted West. So everybody has made those changes, but this map reflects that, and then folded within is my attempt because I'm not the map maker and I've just simply colored the cells of the spreadsheet so you can kind of see it visually
But that's the Elementary on the top, and then staple behind is the secondary and we probably should have stapled them the other way around. But um, and this instance, we only have 2 planning zones that have more moved 2 times or more since 2014 and the secondary level. So that is in there and then, as chairman Mansfield requested we answered some additional questions last week. We know we have more that have come in since Friday
afternoon and we're working on them. But, um, We will get those posted, but we've just provided a paper copy of the Q&A. That's up there. As of now and then the final, um, Well, actually there's 2 more things. We've got the clipped Freedom High School, Jim Michael lindsford. John champe, Mercer, Middle School like Rich, High School, Willer, Miller School. The planning zones showing their residential development in their walk zones. These are maps that you've had since the get-go since April 22nd finally. Um, because we last were here together on Wednesday night. Um, I was
handed a petition from the kirpatrick Farms people and I've not had a chance to get it to you otherwise. So I've included that in your packet as well. so now, I will start the briefing here. So again, this is the condition without change and as I go through the slides tonight, um, I'm highlighting a couple things but I'm going to specifically speak to the utilization of our middle schools. For the 26th, 27 and 2728 years that's going to be my point
of reference. So if you're looking at the map and perhaps, you're looking at the more closely even though they're big Maps, um, I'm going to be speaking to what's in those red boxes on the maps. And I will speak to the utilization, but this is the conditions with that change. Again, if nothing if no attendance zone changes were adopted in this process, we would have um, in the 2627 year for J. My Lens, they would be at 81%. And the following year 2728, would be 83%, Mercer Middle School would be 111 and then
they would be at 1:15 the 26th. 27 2728 year and Willard Middle School would be at 110% and 113% respectively for respectively for the September 2627 and that was the focus of Staff with the plan that we presented. Again, I referenced this, although those in attendance and those who've been writing, you are well aware of the policy and the various factors the board may consider as they adopt attendance zone changes, This again I'm just putting up this disclaimer. So that
everybody again understands, we're not recommending changes in the feeder alignment, we are not recommending changes to the Elementary School attendance Zone and that any changes adopted in this process would take effect in the fall of 26 We again continue to post information on our web page, so again providing that on the chance. Someone's just dialing at this point. And then I go to the staff plan. So with the staff plan, we recommended 7 planning zones, change with the staff plan J. Michael Lunsford in the fall of 26 would be at 96%
utilization and in Fall of 27, be at 99% utilization. That would then provide some relief for Mercer Middle School. They would go to 105% utilization in the fall of 27 26 and then 108 in the fall of 27. Again, it's not a substantial change but we realize that we're coming back to this community and to you as a board and just 2 short years, so that we can do the tenant zone for HS 14. Where we have a more expansive and comprehensive process.
Then Willard with this staff recommendation um changes from 110 to 26 to actually in this plan to 101% and in Fall of 27. It reduces from the originally 113% to 104% utilization. and again, this moves, um, 7, planning zones. And I will. Now transition to redistrict. So we shared redistrict as a tool for you for the community. For anybody interested to create plans. We have 11 that have been created since. Um,
this process started, we're speaking to the 10 that were active when we went to map them all on Friday or Thursday. So, the first 1 is redistrict plan 103. This moves an additional planning zone 13.8. Um, Or 13.9 I'm sorry, from Mercer Middle School to J, Michael Lunsford and freedom. Um, 13.9 is the South Riding community as well. This moves ds08, which is the Heartland Community from John champe,
high school and Mercer, Middle School to light Ridge, High School and Willard. And then it moves. Um, It maintains, the staff recommendation for DS, 13312 and 126 moving them from light, Ridge Willard to John champe. Mercer. But also, as DS 7.5, which is part of the lenah mill community. With this plan. J. Michael lenzburg goes from goes to 101% utilization in the fall of 26 to 103 in the fall of 27. Mercer Middle
School drops to 97% in the fall of 26 and 100% in the fall of 27. Willard Middle School drops to 104% in the fall of 26 and 106 to the fall of 27. Redistrict plan 40. This keeps DS 13.8 At Mercer Middle School. It keeps the 3 plans, 126 133 and 1312 at Willard Middle School. It moves. DS 7.5 from Willard. Middle School
to Mercer, Middle School. J. Michael lindsford in the fall of 26 will be at 95% and 97% in the fall of 27. Mercer Middle School will be at 104% in the fall of 26 and 108% in the fall of 27 and Willard will be at 103% and 105% in the fall of 27. Redistrict plan 289. Also moves DS, 13.9 from Mercer to J. Michael Lunsford, it moves. Um, cleaning his own DS. 17.6 from Mercer to
Willard. That is a Stone Ridge, Community planning Zoom. It keeps the 3 planning zones, um, 126 133 and 1312 at Willard Middle School, and it moves DS, 7.2 and 7.5, which comprise the lenah mill, community, and Dr. Rasheed's District. It moves them to Mercer and John champe from Willard and light rich. So J, Michael Lunsford fall of 26 is 101% and 103% in Fall
of 27. Mercer is 102% in the fall of 26 and 104% in the fall of 27 and Willard is at 100% And 103% in the fall of 2627. Logistic plan 336. That keeps the 3, uh, planning zones that you heard from at your last public, hearing 202.613 and 13.12 at Willard Middle School and light Ridge, High School, it moves in your southern area.
Um, planning zone, DS, 12.1, and 12.7. So that's Dawson's corner, marwood or Marberry. I'm sorry. And, um, Cedar Crest in the southern part of the county that moves them from light Ridge and Willard to Mercer and John champe. Lunsford goes to 108% in the fall of 26 and 111% in the fall of 27. Mercer drops to 95% in the fall of 26 and is 98% in the fall of 27 and Willard is at 99% in the fall of 26 and 101
in the fall of 27. plan 388 388 also moves uh plating Zone. 13.9 Again, part of the South Riding community in with the existing plating Zone. Staff had recommended to move from John champe, and Mercer to freedom and Lunsford It keeps the 12.6, the and 1312 at Willard Middle School, but planning, his own 13.3, still moves to Mercer and John champe. And then it also moves, um planning zone DS over.
Which is in the Aldi, attendance Zone, Watson Road area DS. 6.6 and 6.9 both located On the north side of Route 50. So the Westbury Estates and also part of the Heartland Community, moves them to John champe and Mercer. And then DS 13.3 continues to um, also move. Plan 530. And if you haven't guessed, they're not numbered sequentially. They're randomly numbered. Um, plan, 530.
Keeps GS 13.3 At Mercer Middle School. It or 13.8. I'm sorry, it keeps The 3 playing zones 12.6 13.3 and 13.12, all at Willard Middle School. It does. However, move DSO 8 out of John champe and Mercer into light Ridge and Willard. And it also moves DS 7.5, which is part of lenah Mill, from light Ridge and Willard into Mercer and John champe, so just flips them.
And that instance, Lunsford is at 95% and 97% in the fall of 26 and the fall of 27. Mercer is at 103 and 106 percent the fall of 2627 and Willard is at 104, and 107 in the fall of 2627. 5554 5554 also moves 13.9 into those um, with those other 4 4 planning zone staff would recommended to, um, Freedom and J Michael Lunsford from John champe and Mercer.
It also keeps planning zones, 12.6 and 13.12, which includes um, the kurp Patrick Farms Community, that's north of Braddock Road, keeps them at Willard Middle School but 13.3. I'm sorry. I missed it. Misstated that 13.3. Still goes to Mercer and John champe that also still part of CP Patrick Farm. But the projections for that would have J Michael lindsford at 96% 99% in the fall of 26 and 27, Mercer would be at 100
and 103 percent and the same 2 years and Willard would be at 106 and 109%. Plan 643. Keeps DS 12.6 at Willard Middle School. That is the only change from the staff plan, 96 percent and 99% would be the utilization of J. Michael Lunsford those 2 years. 103 and 106% would be for Mercer for the fall of 26 and 27 and then 103 and 106% would be for Willard the same 2
years. Second to last 1. Plan 719, this also moves 13.9 with the 4 other planning zone staff had recommended to go from lunch from champ and Mercer to freedom and Lunsford It does not move. GS 12.6 and 13.3. But 13.12 still is moved. As is in the staff plan. And then it also moves DS 7.5. Part of the lenah mill Community from lightbridge in Willard to Champ and Mercer.
And this plan J. Michael Lunsford in the fall of 26 would be at 101%, 103 percent in the fall of 27. Mercer would be at 101% and 105% in the fall of 26 and 27, respectively and Willard would be at 100 and 102 percent those 2 school years. Plant 935. The final 1 that we mapped. this keeps planning zones 13.8 and 16.1 at
champ and Mercer. So the only 2 plan, the only 2 planning zones from the staff plan that would remain moving to Freedom. And Lunsford 2, freedom and Lunsford from champ. And Mercer would be the 9.1 and 9.2 um, it keeps 126 133 and 1312 at Willard Middle School, and it moves planning zone 12.1 from Willard to Mercer Middle School. This has a 98 and 100% utilization for Lunsford in the fall
of 26 and 27. Mercer goes um 101 in Fall of 26 and 105 in the fall of 27 and then Willard is 103 and 106 in the fall of 26 and 27. So I just I wanted to quickly go through those and this is here just to provide you that synopsis of what is in the Virginia Tech plans today. And then this is Mr. Strefezza. We talked about this earlier. So here, we're showing that all of the ones in the
lighter ugly yellow only moved once. Um the slightly Tanner 1 up there ds08 is um moved twice and then the very dark brown 1 which is kind of the Lambert area. And I would say, when both of these were moved, multiple times, there were no major developments there. They were approved or they were pending applications. But with the exception of individuals who lived on those roads in single
family homes that were just a driveway, not a development. There were no substantial children, living in those 2. Darker planting zones, when they were moved, multiple times, we had, um, in ds08, which is north of Route, 50 and Route. 50 is the line that runs, um, kind of by 6, most of the color The first homes that moved into Heartland were in the 2021 year and it was that year that the board reassigned an advanced of those students starting school, assigned them
to John champe and Mercer. Um, likewise, um, and I'm drawing a complete blank on the subdivision name. Now once was the Lambert property and this 12 um, area down below, South rioting that for many years was a sidearm. I mean, there were some Farms that were out there but it has changed over the years. To that. I'm wrapping up, I promise. Um, Tuesday the 20th is the board meeting where as an information item. Any plans that you would like to move
forward need to be part of the item and those are the plans that would need justification. um, plans can be adopted by you the board on June 10th. That have modified any of the Plans offered on May 20th. So I continue and not. Because I'm picking on them but ds10 Lena run. If no plan in the information items. On May 2020.
Moves ds10 lenah, run from Willard and light Ridge as an example. The plan that you adopt on the 10th. Should not either for True transparency. We want people to be aware of plans that are being considered and that their neighborhood might move to all of the sudden. Say I'm going to move DS, 10. Lenah run from light Ridge, and Willard on the night of the 10th is not being very transparent. So the intent on the
20th is to identify any plans that might include any planning zones, that you would Envision perhaps moving or not moving, but just to put them out there. So that everybody is aware of what's being considered. If you want all 10 of these Virginia Tech plans part of the May 20th, that's certainly fine. And we can say 1 of these is going to be considered, but we need to have rationale as to how it comports with the policy if it addresses multiple moves,
which has been cited by many of the emails or to addresses the feeder, cluster Advanced the feeder. Um, or if it addresses Community or continuity or demographics, that's fine. But we just are asking for the 20th to reflect any plans that might be. Adapted, so that everybody is aware. So, Think there's our email for any questions, any concerns,
any comments, people wish to forward you the board. I'm happy to go back to the calendar or we can talk about the May 20th at the work session, but I just wanted to highlight that and then as has been my as the last time, if folks are willing to list their street or their planning zone, it's helpful for us as we track their comments. And with that, I will conclude Sher Mansfield. Thank you. Miss Tate. Um, Just trying to decide if I should ask the question now, or should we wait to the work session, I guess?
Okay, I'll wait till the work session. So um, Okay, so we will go ahead and start with our public hearing. Item 3. Uh, procedures for public comment. Thank you for engaging with the school board through the public comment process, the school board, welcomes comments from Loudoun, County residents and believes that strong Community engagement and outreach are important components of a successful school system. Please note, that speakers of this school board, public hearing shall limit their comments to the Dulles South Secondary School, attendance
Zone, public hearing. Speakers must limit their comments to the time. Allotted based on the number of speakers in the agenda, all speakers have been allotted 2 minutes each for public comment this evening. Speakers who missed their time slot will not be called at a later time. All audience members shall maintain civility, decorum and respect for the functioning and the Dignity of the school board at all times and abide by the public comment procedure set forth in school, board policy, 2520 entitled participation by the public and on the lcps, citizen participation website.
These resources are also provide information on the distribution of materials to school board members. Given that under no circumstances May of speaker approach. The deis In accordance with school board policy 2520 speakers should should refrain from vulgarity obscenities, defamation profanity and other like breaches of Civility, decorum and respect. Speakers Also, may not Target criticize or attack individual students Andor individual division employees during public comment or engage in conduct that otherwise
disrupts or delays. The meeting inappropriately loud conversations or outbursts from those in attendance will not be tolerated and security staff will be asked to restore order. per School Board policy, 2520, when reasonable the chair will warn a speaker of breaches of decorum or these For these rules, prior to the chair terminating speaking privileges or taking other action, to preserve the civility, decorum and orderly conduct of the meeting, which could include. But is not limited to the chair, directing
staff to remove the attendee from the remainder of the meeting Andor, the public comment being concluded for the evening. The public is reminded that access to school board. Meetings is available through lcps TV on Comcast channels, 18 and Verizon files channel 43. The live stream of the meeting may be viewed on the website as a little reminder perm is Tate speakers are asked to if they so Desire to begin comments by stating your name street name or planning zone, designation and the grade level of your
children. We look forward to hearing your comments. now, if you could just wait a second while I dig out, The public comment here it is. Um we'll start with our virtual public comments. and uh, the first speaker is Kristen Palmer followed, by Maria Soto, Their mic is unmuted. are we having some technical issues with C. Uh, Kirsten Palmer. Okay, we'll move on. Um, From Kirsten Palmer to.
Maria Soto. Followed by golly Aruna. Ready. Sorry. Oh, good evening, my name is Maria. SoDo, I live in the Braddock Corner. Community. Number D s12.6. I have a ninth grader at lightridge high school and a fifth grader at Pinebrook Elementary. The proposed attendance zone change would impact my daughter's Midway through their middle school and high school years.
while we oppose the staff plan, zone changes, if immediate adjustments are necessary, we strongly recommend the adoption of plan, 40 as a less disruptive alternative to the staff plan and a greater adherence to school board policy 6530. Please choose the path that best serves the long-term interests and well-being of kids that are already established with their teachers school activities and
peers, we ask that you take the time to read through and consider the proposal that was submitted by Liz cornetta from the Brad at Corner Community. Number ds126, thank you very much for your consideration and time. Thank you. Um, My understanding is that uh golly Aruna. Ready is not uh available. Um, so we will continue to to move on to our in-person
speakers. Um, the first 1 is Liz cornetta followed by Neil Desai. Good evening. School board members. My name is Liz cornetta. I have lived in DS 12.6 for 16 years and I am the proud parent of an eighth grader at Willard. We have spent many, many hours reviewing many documents and the rationale for the changes that went into effect in 2020, we strongly oppose the staff plan and we ask that you refrain from implementing any
attendance zone changes at this time. If you decide that changes must be made, then please adopt plan, 40. After your analysis, we hope you will agree that the long established communities of 12.613 and 13.12 should not move the much newer community in DS. 7.5 is directly adjacent to Champ. So it would make much more sense to move that 1 now. Data projections, indicate that plan 40 achieve a similar
level of enrollment balance for the affected schools, as the staff plan. But with far, smaller numbers of students and families undergoing, a school reassignment, this demonstrates, a more efficient and less disruptive Pathway to addressing the immediate capacity. Concerns In summary, please consider Oli these immediate changes 7.5. To Mercer champ due to its adjacency 9.1 9.3 and 16.1 to Lunsford and freedom. As they are
nearby and will make Cardinal Ridge a pure fee. Thank you so much. Thank you. Neil Desai followed by Alex cornetta. Uh hello. Thank you for allowing me to speak. My name is Neil PSI and I'm currently in the eighth grade at Willard. I live in Braddock Corner Community, which is DS 12.6. My request is to the school for the school board. Not to rezone our community by taking this action, the school board will be breaking my 9-year, f, a friendship that I
have created since kindergarten at Pinebrook, High School itself is a big transition for any student and going to a different to 2, different high schools will affect mentally emotionally and academically as I am planning to play football at lightridge and I'm looking forward to creating a relationship with my coaches and teammates by the rezoning, I'll have to recreate these things. At another high school and saying goes for academically. As well as recreating a relationship with teachers and counselors. I would ask the school board to reconsider and
not make any changes, thank you for your time. Thank you. We'll continue on by Alex connect cornetta followed by Paul cornetta. Good evening. My name is Alex cornetta. I live in DS 12.6 and I'm an eighth grader at Willard Middle School. Please don't make any changes affecting the s12.6 DS, 13.3 and DS, 13.12. The staff proposes moving students out of champ and proposes that another group of students move into champ proposing. Double moves does not make sense and contradicts
the consideration of stability and policy 6530. I don't want changes for any students but I know there's a lot of growth in our area. I've lived my whole life in DS 12.6 and our community has been around for longer than the 16 years. My parents have lived here. There are fewer and fewer kids in our long-established neighborhood so please don't make us switch high schools and let us finish our 4 years at large together. The class of 2029 has always been connected and together, so please don't ruin, please don't ruin that. And split us up as it will have a huge effect on both.
On both as student of on us as both students. And people, I really hope you take that and into consideration It's just 4 years until we graduate, so please keep us together. Thank you for your time. Abby Conley. Good evening. I'm Paul cornetta. I live in DS 12.6 for 16 years and I have a parent of an eighth grader at Willard, just met him. Uh we strongly oppose, the staff plan and we ask that you refrain from implementing any attendance zone changes at this time. The opening of HS. Uh High School. 14 will require a
significant rezoning of the Dallas district schools, implementing changes now is counterproductive and contradicts the considerations and policies 6330. If you have any, if you have to make any changes, please adopt plan 40, as it is less disruptive and much more in line with policy 6530. Please don't make any changes to the long established communities of 12.6. 1 3. 3 2. It makes most sense to move 7.5 at is directly adjacent to the grounds of champ.
Please don't make any changes but if you have to do, please adopt plan, 40. Thank you. Thank you. Uh, Abby Conley followed by Anjali Mita. Hi, my name is Abby Conley. I'm a resident in North writing which is DS 13.8. And my children will be in seventh and ninth grade in the fall of 2026. Thank you for the opportunity to speak to you this evening as you have seen community members have been using the redistrict to express, their views on the staff plans and on plans, submitted by the community, the community plan
that has drawn the most attention with over 50 responses is plan 40 at 65 policy. 6530 mandates. Does not move any of the 4 attendance zones moved in 2019. As of 2 p.m. today, the staff plan had strong received strongly disapproved ratings of 77% of community members. In contrast plan, 40 has received strongly approved ratings from 92% of community members Many of the comments on redistrict highlight the removal of previously resand plans. Sorry, rezone zones and plan 40. As their reason for
supporting that specific plan. Moreover the capacity relief afforded to the middle schools. Is similar under plan 40 as it is to the staff plans. I suggest that the board may want to consider addressing any short-term capacity issues with Solutions, not requiring, attendance zone, changes up, early 940200. Students seems like a leap to the most extreme solution. When other less disruptive options such as the short term, use of modular classrooms could be used moving students with the accompanying. Disruption should be the option of Last Resort. in closing the staff's plan District, regards the Mandate
set forth by policy 6530 that an attend Rezone plan must Endeavor to minimize multiple attendance zone changes for a given residence whenever possible we were spe. Respectfully suggest that the board should follow policy. 6530 adopt plan, 40 and reject. Any plan, including the staff's plan that proposes to move any of the 4 attendant zone changes. Attendance Zone moved in 2019. Good public policy requires nothing less. Thank you very much. Thank you. Angel, followed by Sonny MTO.
Hello. My name is Anjali and I live in Braddock Corner DS1 12.6. I'm currently attending Willer middle school and very excited to start ninth grade at lightridge high school. I am not in favor of the rezoning plan that has been proposed as a student of Willard Middle School. We recently visited lightridge where we were welcomed with bags saying class of 29. I'm very excited to join lightridge and do not wish to be resand re-zoning might look good on paper, but behind those numbers are real students. We're not just dots on a
map. We are friends, teammates and classmates. We have built friendships found mentors in our teachers and want to stick together. I am also a member of Willard Orchestra and will continue with Orchestra and light Ridge. I have met the orchestra teacher, Mr. Carol, throughout the years I have built a strong connection to lightridge and the Change proposed disrupts the connections that I have built. Kindly reconsider delaying, the resoning of braided Corner DS. 12.6 we are asking for academic stability and
consistency. Thank you for your time. Thank you, sonny M, followed by Anna Chung. Hello, my name is sunny and I live in DS1 12.6 Braddock corner. I have 2 daughters 1 soon entering sixth grade at Willard Middle School and the other entering ninth grade at light Ridge. High School. Thank you for the opportunity to speak to tonight. I chose to speak tonight because I'm deeply concerned with the pace at which we're moving regarding these rezoning discussions and the decision timeline, the proposed changes will have a significant impact on our children and our
families and to the dedicated staff that support them every day. And we really should take the time to get this, right? I'd like to make 2 key points number 1 rezoning now is premature. We know, hs4 will require further zoning changes soon. Rezoning Now does not reflect the full picture of our County's future needs, especially in areas expected to be served by hs4 acting now creates unnecessary disruption and instability potentially forcing families through multiple changes, something policy 6530 aims to avoid so I asked
respect for respectfully. What's the rush? Number 2, we need more data and Community input. These are major decisions. Let's take the time to engage families, review, alternate plans and assess capacity models to make informed choices. These are big decisions with real consequences and are deserving of careful consideration. I respectfully ask the board to defer this decision until HS 14, zoning is finalized and a more thorough analysis can be completed. We all want. What's best for our students, but what's best isn't always. What's fastest? Let's take the time to do
this, right? And if a change must happen, now, I strongly ask you to please. Consider plan 40 as a more responsible and less disruptive alternative. Thank you. Thank you. Anna Chung followed by Kaylee Rosner. Chong and I live in the DS 13.8 North Riding community. My case is a Ford Raider at Liberty Elementary this year. I just wanted to express my appreciation for the proposal of rezoning for Mercer, Cham to lunch for freedom.
Both motion middle school and John champe High School. I further understand then L for and freedom from Outlook Riding community. 1 mile further for the middle school and 2 miles further for the high school. I believe the shorter commute will benefit the kids in many ways. So again, thank you. And I hope that the decision of goning DS 13.8 to learn for and freedom will be approved. Thank you for your time. Thank you Kelly Rosner. Followed by Kate Meyers.
Good evening. My name is Kelly Rosner, and I'm an original owner of braided corner. Ds126, on porch, light drive since 2009. We are very small community. That is aging out and have very little impact to your overall numbers in the future. My son is in eighth grader at Willard Middle, and my daughter is a fourth grader at Pine Brook, Elementary, a big factor for our family to stay. In Loudoun. County is continuity of schools where our children are thriving, The proposed plan would uproot my son and his sophomore year of high school and separate him from his friends. He's
known since kindergarten. What happens when these new subdivisions surrounding us? Get Built. Well, Brad. A corner. Ds126 remain At Mercer champ. Or will we get resand back to Willard and lightridge please consider delaying any school's Joe zone changes until hs1. 14 is opened at that time. More changes will have to be made in all communities. Will be impacted together. If you must make changes, please consider. Liz cornetta's plan. 40 plan, 40 only makes changes to 4 school. Zones versus 7 school zones. Proposed in the staff plan. I understand the
middle schools are over capacity, but as Mr. Lewis said, but as Mr. Lewis said, they are not at fire code capacity. Please do not res. Brad at corner, DS 12.6, thank you for your time. Thank you. And I think that will conclude our public comment for today. Wait, Kate Meyer. Sorry. 1 more. Good evening. I have 3 students 1 at Pinebrook 1 at Willard and 1 at pineburr at lightridge, and I strongly oppose the staff plan. As it does not adequately address. The factors
identified and policy 6530 our community DS 12.6. Firmly believes that a strategic and minimally disruptive approach is Paramount. Therefore, I have 2 recommendations 1, deferral of attendance zone changes until the opening of High School 14 in the fall of 2028 in an email dated March 9th 2023, the school board at that time. Decided to quote Move forward with a temporary non-traditional School plan. When Watson Mountain Middle School opens rather than initiate. A secondary school attendance zone, change
process for the Dulles now, North and Dulles South areas. As a parent and Community member, I am trying to understand the rationale of bringing this forward. Again, when the school board in 2023 already determined the best plan forward wait, until High School. 14, open before making a change. There have been no community outreach meetings or town halls to suggest. This is a necessary change as the communities. Just heard about this in February of this year, please consider engaging the communities. Prior to your M May 20th board meeting to get a pulse of
the community. Several students, including 1 of my own would like to speak but have current commitments including sports music and academic activities. I am here asking for your help instead of attending his soccer game. Recommendation 2 adoption of plan 40. If it is determined that attendance zone changes are necessary after Community engagement our community strongly supports plan 40 which is a more responsible and less disruptive alternative to the staff plan. Again, I implore the board that before. Making a decision, go meet with your communities, get a pulse on
where the community stand, our children deserve it. and I have the email if you wanted to see it from March 9th 2023, that I was referring to were the board had talked about the Changes, thank you. Thank you. Um okay now that concludes public comments. Sorry I sometimes get um Lose my place. Um okay so we I'm assuming the board members don't want to Have a recess of any sort.
So we'll move on to our work session. Um 4.01 um with uh, Diesel, Secondary School, attendance change process presented by Miss Tate. Our director planning and GIS Services. Miss Tate. I'm here to answer any questions you may have, but I Presented. All I was going to in the briefing. I have a question. So if without any conditions with without change, it looks like, um,
Mercer which is now Gum Spring will be 1:15 in 20. It will go from 1 111 to 1115 and Willard will go from 1:10 to 1:13. When a school? is um, Years ago, when my children went to Lent. It was overcrowded. Then what was the overcrowding? Do you have any idea? It would be around 2016, 2017. I can get you, I don't off the top because it was really overcrowded and I can just I don't know if it was 115%
crowded but it was pretty crowded. And we didn't have modulars or anything. I will get you that information. Um I'm just trying to gauge how much that percentage really matters because we're hearing oh well P you know 115% we should just hold I don't know if that's reasonable or not. From our conversations with principals, um, and you're aware, obviously, we have 8 modular at Willard. I mean there, um, They have relayed, how difficult it is for their staff and
their students. It's just the class sizes are big and it's um so, that was part of The reason we came to you, we too were hoping we could not do this until the fall. When HS 14 opens but hearing from them, is what had us come to you. Originally, I mean, this spring to do this, But I will get you the enrollment capacity for lunch for at that time. The other thing is, um,
And talking with some of the principles and the overcrowding issue. Um some of them have had to have like another AP another. So there's other fiscal issues that we're talking about here. Yes, ma'am. I can't I I can't speak to instruction specifically but um it is it's based on the number of students and the Staffing standards what it adds to that. Um I know lunch shifts are very difficult. okay, anyone
any other questions? Yes, Dr. Deans since we already have some schools. Who have modulus, how many modules would be? Uh, and modulus or generally temporary. How many modules would be or could be installed to prevent? Any resoning until High School 14. Open. Dr. Dean I'll take that 1.
So the Texas generally close to a year to get modulars approved and installed and by then we would be into the 2728 school year and then so we would only have them for a year and so we would not be in time to solve the problem. We're dealing with right now with the overcrowding. Uh, the other issue is we already have a number of modulars out there. Uh, the more folks that we, you know, pile into the school, so to speak that affects the the core of the building, the cafeteria, the gyms, and all those types of things. So we're not recommended to do that and we don't
have time to get them in and time to assist us here. Um, if we were to put them in now we would have them there for 1 year before it just 14 open and then we'd be moving them back out again. I would also add that part of the approach with the staff plan was to utilize available capacity at J. Michael Lunsford and freedom. Where we know their enrollments are declining, they're established. There's very little development within theirs and so we wanted to utilize available physical space at
those schools and provide some relief with the staff plan as I've shared. Um, It would not be staff's. Intention to recommend changes for any of these. Planning zones that were proposing change. When the hs1 14, boundary process credit. I acknowledge, there's no guarantee. But that would not be a recommendation of Staff. We we with intention looked at areas that we knew would remain stable. at the, Proposed new school.
Are you done Dr. Dean did you want any more questions? No. Commission enough. Thank you, madam chair, and thank you again to the community members that are here and Miss Tate. You continue to impress me with your knowledge of the neighborhoods and the numbers and the schools. I spent the last week like unpacking all of this and I don't live in the Dallas area but um, drove out there actually to see Kirk packed for farms and look at where Braddock roads splits and just try to get a lay of the land with the
schools. I visited many of these schools but um understanding all of that, uh, plus all the land that is going to be developed. So I don't envy the task here for any of us in this room. I will say, for me personally I hear you that you want us to delay this. I from an instructional standpoint and a fiscal standpoint. I don't think that I could feel comfortable with that vote, given the 115% numbers that we're seeing. Um, um and having been in some of these schools and seeing the
modulars and it sounds like yeah, just put another 1 out there, but that does create that creates stress too in terms of morale of who's going to be out there. Who, how do you decide who's out there? Um, students traveling in and out. What, what different if the whole Department's going to go out or not? I've had conversations with principals, that, that puts quite a strain on on buildings as well. So I Hear you, I do. I, I just am going to defer to the latter part of that argument. That is um, looking deeply at plan
40. Um, and also, I really plan, 289 also caught my eye. I know it's a lot more movement, but it seemed a little bit. It seemed like it got to some really good percentages. I don't know what the impact would be to hs1 14. So I'm going to meet with Mr. Lewis, and Miss Tate to dive deeper into that tomorrow, actually. But I, um, I my question to miss Tate tonight is, are there certain schools that can handle?
Higher capacity than others. Because in plan 40, I believe that. I was really looking at percentages here. Hold on. I have my little chart and plan, 40. In. the percentages that we saw Mercer would go to 104%, and then as high as 108 and Willard 103, and then 105 in the Next year's and I'm just for me that marker of lcps is
Staff plan. Being able to get us to 105 seemed like a good marker but this does take us to Mercer at 108. I just didn't know if you could speak to are there certain schools that are equipped To already take on more, or is it sort of? They're all over crowded. So I don't know if that's a fair question to ask you, but well, we can talk more about it, but just, in terms of some of these schools are already over capacity and like you said, maybe moving them to where they would have space, but
is the reverse true as well? Are there certain schools that are just already over capacity? That could continue to maintain that? Well, both, Mercer and Willard are currently over capacity. I mean, this current school year. Yeah. um, and the staff plan, roughly moves about And I've used is just numbers. I realized that it's different students different grades about a hundred. Um, Willard moves about 120 that first year. So, um, the plan 1, the plan 040 is very close in percentage utilization,
adversor. Um, and it is A little higher for Willard Middle School. As to if a school can handle it better or not. I think that gets back to what Mr. Lewis was saying, where you have the core capacity, you can still only have so many lunch shifts between certain hours, you don't want students. Um, there's still only so much physical education space for PE classes. I would say at the high school which this is not, you know,
high school and even perhaps some of the middle school. I mean there's a electives and so what your course offerings can be based upon the number of classes but I realized that's probably again more at the high school level where we're not feeling that pain at the moment. but I'll I'll think I I promise to think on it and kind of a certainly I will share with you in the public or anything that just trying to wrap my brain around. what the capacity will be down the road because it was initial numbers look pretty good in plan 40, um, very
similar, but then that next year is when Mercer gets that bump to 108 and just Trying to understand what the impact of that would be within hs1 14, opening further. So that's kind of where my thinking is. Um, so those are the ones that I'm currently looking at is 40. I am looking at 289, I thought there was a lot of thought put into that, um, plan. And, of course, the staff plan, but I will likely not be siding. On of doing nothing and waiting. So I just wanted to put
that out there. I think the other thing that we have to think about is um self-contained classes and how this affects um special education self-contained um as well as our special education program and where we can take kids and put kids for specialized instruction. Um, so when you get bigger numbers, you get what happened to my kids and put them in the closet. So, We have to be really careful about that. Literally in the closet. So um I'm with you. Miss shernoff um
I agree. I I don't think you should keep. I don't 115% is too much. Um, 111 is too much, um, those were the 2, uh, other ones that I was looking at, as well. Um, so, Anyway. Is anybody else? Yes, Dr. Deans are they in a special programs in either of those buildings that can be relocated. Are there any special programs?
Are you speaking like dual language or hamsai or we do not have any specialized programs at our middle schools presently and none of the 3. High schools are currently hosting a specialized program. Okay, thank you. Miss Chandler. Thank you madam chair. Um I I can't say that that I've gotten to a point where I've made a decision. Um a couple things really are standing out to me. Um, I
noticed in um, the cornetas suggestion and plan 40. Um, the comment that our neighborhood schools really are the heart of our community. And, and I believe that to be true. I, I understand, um, I may not be as familiar with your neighborhood as I am with my own neighborhood in Algonquian but I can imagine um what it will be like when the time comes for us to redraw boundaries in Al gone too. Um There are such deep relationships and deep commitments and
that is important. Um, when I, I it also, I, I find myself being very uncomfortable, looking at the 115% 113 percent. Um, even at Middle School, um, I think 1 of the things that I've learned, uh, in this process of serving on the school board, as we've talked about special permission, and some other relative policies is really that It's not just that the building is crowded. It means sometimes your students miss out on opportunities and um,
my kids go to PTO MC Falls. Um, I have a senior who's graduating in a few weeks. She had planned on a class. For her entire um like it was in her plan, the entire time she was going to take it as a senior. They didn't have space for it this year because the school is too full. And I mean, I can see there are probably electives. Um, and other courses, that could be problematic, even in Middle School. It's hard to know. We haven't asked that specific question to anyone who could answer academically, but it is
something to think about, right? It could impact the opportunities that your kids have being that full. Um, but we certainly have a lot to think about and I do appreciate that. They're, um, Seems to be some community support coalescing. And and we'll continue to look at it and and try to make the best decision. So thank you, thank you for coming out to speak for your community. I think the other Uh 1. That's interesting to me was the 935 because I think
that we're going to have to relook at all of these boundaries I think in, uh, H and I, I would suggest to the board. That when they do hs4 that you just do everything. I'm just making that suggestion. So that you don't have to redo it again. Yeah, um, whoever is going to be here. Um, so, Because I do think DS1 12.1 makes more sense to go to Lunsford and everything and and that was initially. What I
was thinking was those areas, ds12 DS, 12.7 DS, 12.1. But the fact is that they're just a lot of kids there. And it would be beefed it up too much. So any other questions? Any other? Yes. Uh, Vice chair. Uh, Donnie Hugh. Thank you very much, Madam chair. Thank you, madam chair. Uh, thank you. Miss tape for your presentation and information. I had um a couple of questions 1. I suspect is probably premature at this point but I was curious if there has been
um consideration of the impact on our buses and bus scheduling with the proposed changes. We have reviewed the staff plan, we have not reviewed all 10. Now 11 of the Virginia Tech There are certainly some efficiencies but I mean they're compact areas and so it's probably a buses. They were very supportive of the, um, planning zones that our Cardinal Ridge, going to freedom and Jim Michael Lunsford instead of
traveling along. but um, with respect to the others, they're close to Mercer and champ and Willard. Thank you for that. And my other question was, have we ever uh when faced with a situation where we may need to do a rezoning? Have we ever Surveyed the community to see if there are any families who want to voluntarily make a change. Rather than rezone just asking folks. If they wish to, um,
So those opportunities for family typically had been through the special permission process if 1 wanted their child or their children to go to a different school. Um, no 1 is typically happy with attendance zone changes, um and often Understandably will offer other communities to go, rather than themselves. And I, and I get it. I mean, I I do, um, We do survey. The rising Juniors and the rising seniors 8th grade. So
there are that opportunity but, When attendance zone changes are recommended. It is because At least at the staff level. We've determined a need for it. We're not just changing them to do it. And unfortunately, in areas of growth that may involve students that went to a school to go. Students that lived at a house. That went to 1 School younger. Students may be living in the same house. Same family, going to another school or
going back to their former school. Um, I'm not really sure I'm answering your question. If I may chair Mansfield. Um, you were speaking about DS1 121. we had a staff looked at that but um, At that point, that was taking a planning zone out of the Buffalo Trail, attendance Zone and changing it back. And I know the prior board had worked hard on that. We acknowledge the 3 plant zones in the seapatrick area that
are a Pine Brook and it's a split fee. That was I mean that is a split fee but this was actually with intention breaking up a pure feed. That was kind of. poor did in the back of our mind, just a little pause. Any other questions? Discussion. Homework. Okay. um, I'm seeing, um, I guess that's it for today. Um, we have a lot more to look through.
um, so I guess seeing as there is no more business, the May 5th 2025 Loudoun County School Board public hearing work session for the Della South Secondary School, attendance zone. Change process is now adjourned. Please drive safely home.