Fairfax County School Board Approves Boundary Adjustments in Southwestern Fairfax County

The Fairfax County School Board on Thursday night approved adjustments to school attendance areas in the southwestern part of the county for 21 elementary schools.  The boundary study was authorized by the school board to address capacity imbalances in elementary schools in the southwestern portion of Fairfax County and to provide a reassignment plan for students affected by the Board’s decision last July to close Clifton Elementary. 

Clifton Elementary sent a letter to parents today and the following are excerpts:

"Last night, the FCPS School Board voted to approve adjustments to school attendance areas as recommended by FCPS staff.  This means that Clifton ES will close its doors in June 2011.  The impact for our students will be as follows:

• 171 Students Reassigned to Fairview Elementary School

These students reside in an area generally south of Chapel Road (both sides included), east of Henderson Road, and south of Old Yates Ford Road (both sides included).

• 53 Students Reassigned to Oak View Elementary School

These students reside in an area along Colchester Road from Colchester Hunt Subdivision south to Stonecrest subdivision.

• 104 Students Reassigned to Union Mill Elementary School

These students reside in an area generally west of Henderson Road, north of Old Yates Ford Road (excluded), and north along Clifton Road.

"This decision will have a profound impact on our students, staff, and families," the principal said in the letter.  "Clifton Elementary School has played a significant role in the lives of Clifton families.  Closing the school is comparable to losing a dear friend, and many of us have already recognized that we have been passing though the five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.

These emotions are part of learning to live with loss and serve as tools to help us frame and identify what we may be feeling.  Acknowledging the sense of loss we all feel, allowing ourselves to grieve, and accepting the reality of our loss will enable us to move forward and embrace change.  Our students need to see that the adults in their lives have hope for their future."

"At Clifton ES, the staff’s goal is to see every student finish strong.  Through the end of the school year, our students will continue to be our top priority.  Clifton’s staff will continue to provide high quality learning experiences in a safe environment so that all children have opportunities to achieve their full potential.  As Clifton’s principal, I will work with Leslie Butz, our Cluster Assistant Superintendent, and the principals of Fairview ES, Oakview ES, and Union Mill ES to facilitate the smoothest possible transition for your children.  I am also committed to partnering with parents to ensure our students successfully navigate this change. 

Boundary adjustments will take effect beginning with 2011-12 school year at the following schools: 

• Bonnie Brae
• Brookfield
• Bull Run
• Clifton
• Cub Run
• Deer Park
• Eagle View
• Fairview
• Fairfax Villa
• Greenbriar East
• Greenbriar West
• London Towne
• Oak View
• Poplar Tree
• Providence
• Union Mill
• Virginia Run
• Willow Springs 

Boundary adjustments will take place during the 2013-14 school year at the following schools:  Centreville, Centre Ridge, Colin Powell, Eagle View, Fairfax Villa, Greenbriar East, and Union Mill Elementary Schools. 

Building additions will be necessary at Fairfax Villa, Greenbriar East, and Union Mill, and a modular will be added to Centreville Elementary.  Interior modifications will be made at Fairview Elementary to accommodate the additional students.

In an effort to align advanced academic program (AAP) center assignments with school boundary changes, several AAP center assignment changes were also approved. 

 Complete information about the boundary adjustments can be found at http://www.boarddocs.com/vsba/fairfax/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=8E6F8J3DE09E.