Letter from January Britt

Mrs. Marshall,

I am writing to express concern about my community and the redistricting that will occur in the county in 2010. After looking at the 4 maps that the high school committee has narrowed down that our neighborhood (Oldhouse Run Census Tract 0620819) has been taken out of Godwin after historically being in the district since the neighborhood was built in the early 1980's. While it is upsetting to see 3 maps have us at Tucker and 1 has us at Freeman, the major disapointment is that we have been stripped of our community High School without even an option to stay.

As a former teacher, I understand the redistricting process and realize that you can't make everybody happy. I recognize that the committee has put in many hours and has taken in several factors but also see that it is a numbers game at this point. I wanted to mention a few points I felt were important and hope you will take them into consideration.

1. After moving to Oldhouse Run last year, my husband and I wanted to live in a neighborhood with an established history with the schools. I formally taught at Battlfield Park Elementary in Hanover County and loved the sense of community and legacy that the school offered and wanted that for my children. I understand that the county continues to grow and develop west, and we were not interested in the newer, bigger houses with less tradition that were developing. The Pemberton area has historically had a relationship with Godwin and is an established neighborhood, which is the reason we chose this area. We wanted history, tradition and somewhere that had a strong sense of community. I think in this process those things should count for something, we are not expanding, or growing, we are just asking to stay at Godwin.

2. I think it is unfortunte and unrealistic to ask our community to go from Godwin to Tucker. While I see it is somewhat of a numbers game, going from the 6th ranked school to the 96th is quite a jump. Again, we are not a new community and felt somewhat safe moving here last year FROM the Tucker disctrict because of the neighborhoods history with the high school. If anything being that we are on the Freeman/Godwin line we felt very confident Tucker wouldn't be an option for our children. Again I hope this is considered.

3. In a time of redistricting I think it is crucial to have AT LEAST one senario having Oldhouse to stay at Godwin where our community can show support and fight to stay where we have ALWAYS been. Not many neighborhoods can say that!

4. The west side of Pemberton is made up of established strong neighborhoods with years invested in the Godwin community. While our homes are not new construction, nor flashy- they are rooted in years of tradition and pride in the area we live in and the schools that our children have made strong. We only ask that this is taken in to consideration when looking at where the growth is occuring and which neighborhoods will be affected.

We can only imagine the number of emails and letters you are receiving and realize you have much to consider. We also appreciate all you do for the children of Henrico, our hope is that you will hear our little community out and help us preserve the traditions we hold dear.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

January Britt
9602 January Court
Oldhouse Run Subdivision