Henrico County School Redistricting - Keep Oldhouse Run in Godwin District!

It's a Done Deal

2009-05-31T15:14:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday, the Henrico School Board unanimously adopted Pairing 3 as the new school attendance boundaries that will take effect fall 2010.

This option moves Oldhouse Run and the entire Pemberton Corridor to Freeman HS. OHR will stay at Jackson Davis ES and Byrd MS.

Thanks to all that wrote letters and emails, made calls, submitted feedback online, walked the neighborhood and attended meetings. Though we are being pulled out of Godwin our effort was strong and remained positive until the end.

Freeman is a good school - and the students and parents along Pemberton will only make it better!

Godwin's loss will be Freeman's gain.

Go Rebels!

New Pairing 3 and Online Questionnaire

2009-05-25T10:41:00.000-07:00

The Henrico Co School Board has revised Pairing 3 following feedback received during public hearings 2 weeks ago.

Shocker... Pairing 3 still moves us to Freeman.

You can view the revised map here.

The County is also seeking public comment on all maps through tomorrow, May 26.

Click here to complete the questionnaire.

For reference, the only map that keeps us at Godwin is Pairing 2.

The School Board will vote on a final set of boundaries this coming Thursday, May 28. Meeting starts at 7:00pm at the County School Board office located on Nine Mile Road in the East End.

Online Forum - Last Chance to Voice Your Opinion!

2009-05-14T17:55:00.000-07:00

Henrico County is currently seeking public comment on the 3 redistricting pairings.

Pairing #2 is the ONLY option that keeps OHR at Godwin. Pairings #1 and #3 re-zone the entire Pemberton Corridor to Freeman.

An online questionnaire is available NOW through noon on Monday, May 18 - please fill it out!

Information and maps for the three pairings as well as information about the redistricting public hearings can be found here or by clicking the pairing information to the right.

Voice your opinion! Please take a moment and consider how a changing our High School could impact our neighborhood, families, K-12 feeder patterns and our current middle/high school students transitioning.

RTD: Henrico school redistricting hearing draws 400

2009-05-14T17:47:00.000-07:00

Click here to read the story.

School Board Public Hearing @ Godwin on May 13

2009-05-06T09:04:00.000-07:00

The School Board will host a series of public hearings next week to discuss the 3 redistricting pairings currently under consideration.

There is a real chance that OHR and the rest of the Pemberton Corridor could be re-zoned to Freeman. If you want to STAY AT GODWIN, please plan to attend the May 13 public hearing.

Wednesday, May 13
6:00-8:00pm
Godwin High School Gymnasium
2101 Pump Road
Henrico, VA 23238

We need a BIG showing at the May 13 hearing. Email Laura Hennig if you plan to attend.

If you can’t make it on May 13, click here for information on two other hearings scheduled.

We can see the finish line, but it’s NOT OVER YET! The Henrico County School Board will cast their final vote on the new attendance boundaries during their scheduled meeting on Thursday, May 28, 2009.

The New Pairing #3 - OHR goes to Freeman

2009-05-01T06:23:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, the School Board was presented with a third redistricting pairing prepared by HCPS planning staff. Pairing #3 moves the Pemberton Corridor from Godwin HS to Freeman. Our Elementary and Middle Schools remain the same - Davis and Byrd.

A public comment period is set to begin today where citizens can leave feedback online for the now 3 pairings. If you want to STAY AT GODWIN... where this neighborhood has attended for 28 years... show your support for Pairing #2!

Click here to go to the HCPS website for more info.

Click here for news coverage from the April 30 School Board meeting.

Stay tuned for more information.

Foreshadowing..?

2009-04-23T14:37:00.000-07:00

Click here to watch a brief piece NBC12 ran on the impacts of school redistricting on parents and kids.

Take note of the mention at the very beginning about moving students from Godwin to Freeman.

Call it foreshadowing, because yesterday the School Board was presented with the 2 redistricting pairings. There was lengthy discussion among the School Board members of certain "issues" they are aware of with the current maps. In particular, the neighborhoods along Pemberton Road came up to be MOVED from Godwin to help raise low enrollment numbers at Freeman.

In fact, Lisa Marshall (our School Board member) raised the point to move us!

Moving OHR and the neighborhoods along Pemberton Road to Freeman is a REAL THREAT!!!!

If this bothers you, MAKE SOME NOISE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It ain't over folks. Contact the School Board TODAY and ask them to keep us at Godwin!

Here are email addresses for the School Board:

lamarshall@henrico.k12.va.us
jwmontgomery@henrico.k12.va.us
lbagby@henrico.k12.va.us
linda.mcbride@henrico.k12.va.us
ddwinston@henrico.k12.va.us

Do something today, because tomorrow may be too late.

RTD: Henrico continues long road to school redistricting

2009-04-06T08:05:00.000-07:00

Click here to read the story.

Recent HCPS Redistricting Media Coverage

2009-04-03T11:22:00.000-07:00

Here are a few news items related to the final actions of the HCPS Redistricting Committee on April 2.

RTD: Panel backs plan for Henrico schools redistricting

Henrico Citizen: Pairing 2 Wins Support of Redistricting Committee

WRIC TV8: Henrico Officials Finalize Recommended School Boundaries

New District Pairings Heads to School Board

2009-04-03T11:16:00.000-07:00

The redistricting subcommittee work has concluded. However, our efforts need to continue as we focus on the School Board.

Adjustments were made this week by the High School committee and the position of Pemberton corridor changed since the Community Forums early in March. Please note:

Pairing 1 - Pemberton Corridor is Davis-Byrd - FREEMAN
Pairing 2 - Pemberton Corridor is Davis - Byrd - GODWIN

BOTH pairings will go to the School Board for their review. A vote took place last evening by the entire redistricting committee consisting of Elementary, Middle and High School representatives. The official vote to endorse Pairing 2 was favored only by a narrow margin. Current maps and pairing information can be viewed here.

We need to remain active on this issue! Looking ahead, another online feedback process will take April 25 - May 7, recommendations will be heard by the School Board for the first time on April 23 and Public Hearings will take place May 13 and 14. The final School board vote will be May 28.

Stay tuned for more information.

And so it goes...

2009-03-30T05:45:00.000-07:00

As expected, last week the HS redistricting subcommittee revised the 2 pairings they had been considering opting to move the entire Pemberton Corridor to Freeman HS in Pairing #1.

OHR and the Pemberton Corridor remain at Godwin in Pairing #2... at least, for now.

This is all the more reason for us to continue communicating with County decision makers in SUPPORT of Pairing #2! If you have a few minutes, please drop an email to Lisa Marshall and copy the following people:

trich@henrico.k12.va.us
mnhedrick1@henrico.k12.va.us
jfranz@henrico.k12.va.us
jlhigginbotham@henrico.k12.va.us
hmcdonough@henrico.k12.va.us
dbseargent@henrico.k12.va.us
hrfisher@henrico.k12.va.us
mcropper@croppergis.com
mgblumen@henrico.k12.va.us
redistricting@henrico.k12.va.us

Keep the message simple. Suggested points to mention include:

1. Our history and work to build community at Godwin HS
2. Continuity of academic and athletic programs between Byrd MS and Godwin HS
3. Godwin's projected student capacity drops in 2013, following "grandfathering" of students beginning in 2010
4. Support for Pairing #2!

We are planning a new round of community activities for OHR to get involved - more info to come.

In the meantime, here are a few important dates to mark on your calendar!

April 23: Redistricting Subcommittee to deliver recommendations to School Board

May 13-14: School Board Public Hearings (VERY IMPORTANT!!!!)

May 28: FINAL School Board Vote

Stay tuned for more information and updates.

Thanks for Coming Out!

2009-03-17T17:31:00.001-07:00

Thanks to all OHR residents that attended the HCPS Community Forums last week, and particularly those that submitted feedback on the 2 proposed pairings.

We had solid representation from OHR and Pemberton Corridor residents, and hope our continued participation in the redistricting process will ensure we STAY at Godwin!

As promised, all OHR residents that notified Kim Kerr that they submitted online feedback were entered into a drawing for a Southern Living Deck Party. Congratulations to Gene and Susan Dix of 9529 Oldhouse Drive for winning the drawing.

Stay tuned to this blog for updates, and more information on neighborhood happenings as the redistricting process moves forward.

RTD: Hundreds turn out for Henrico redistricting meetings

2009-03-16T05:47:00.000-07:00

Today's Times-Dispatch covers the HCPS Community Forums held last week. OHR resident, Laura Hennig, is quoted. Click here to read the story.

NBC12 Coverage of Community Forums

2009-03-11T06:38:00.001-07:00

NBC12 covered the Redistricting Community Forum held March 9 at Godwin HS. The Pemberton Corridor was represented, and OHR got a shout out on TV. This story ran on both the local Fox news and Channel 12.

There is no video available, but you can read the story here.

HCPS Online Feedback Form

2009-03-09T18:17:00.000-07:00

Current maps keep Oldhouse Run at Davis Elementary, Byrd Middle and Godwin High School – however, these maps are NOT final! You can view the two "pairings" on the right of this page.

Henrico County has posted an online form for the public to leave comment on the proposed ES, MS and HS district pairings. Be sure to click here and leave your POSITIVE feedback on the proposed maps.

The form asks users which pairing they prefer (again, both pairings have OHR in the same feeder pattern), and ask for comment on each pairing. A few points to keep in mind with these maps include:

1. Preserving the community we have helped establish at Godwin.
2. Maintaining the continuity of extra-curricular and athletic programs b/w Byrd and Godwin.
3. Limiting disruption of current Godwin neighborhoods because projected student capacity will be available starting in 2010.

It only takes a minute - please complete the online form, and make sure your neighbor does the same!

Redistricting Community Forums March 9-11!

2009-03-06T10:04:00.000-08:00

The County will host three Community Forums this coming week seeking citizen comment on proposed school boundaries that will take effect in 2010.

Current maps keep Oldhouse Run at Davis Elementary, Byrd Middle and Godwin High School – however, these maps are NOT final!

We need full neighborhood participation at the Forums to provide POSITIVE feedback on these maps. Without your input, the maps could easily change.

The Community Forums start at 6pm and will take place at the following locations:

Monday, March 9 - Godwin High School

Tuesday, March 10 - Elko Middle School

Wednesday, March 11 - Deep Run High School

Please plan to attend at least one of these forums!

OHR Community Meeting this Wednesday, March 4

2009-03-01T08:45:00.000-08:00

We will be hosting an OHR neighborhood meeting on Wednesday, March 4 to discuss the current redistricting pairings for our community, as well as next steps. Please make plans to attend.

Wednesday, March 4
7:15-8:30 p.m.
Tuckahoe Library Meeting Room

Contact Laura Hennig for more information.

Redistricting Update and New HCPS Community Forums!

2009-03-01T08:43:00.000-08:00

Late last week the HCPS Redistricting Subcommittee approved allowing neighborhoods along the west side of Pemberton Road (including OHR) to remain in the Godwin High School District. This is great news, as up until this point the Pemberton Corridor didn’t even have an option to STAY at Godwin.

The Subcommittee passed two “pairings” that take into account Elementary, Middle and High School feeder patterns. As it stands, both pairings keep OHR at Davis, Byrd and Godwin.

It is important to note that these pairings are in pencil and can be altered or changed at any point. While we can celebrate this milestone, our work will not be done until the School Board votes on a final map in May!

The next step in the process is another series of Community Forums seeking public comment and feedback on the latest pairings.

We need a strong showing at the Forums taking place March 9-11 to support keeping the current OHR feeder pattern – in particular, keeping us at Godwin!

Here are the dates, times and locations of the Forums:

Monday, March 9
6:00-7:30 p.m.
Godwin High School

Tuesday, March 10
6:00-7:30 p.m.
Elko Middle School

Wednesday, March 11
6:00-7:30 p.m.
Deep Run High School

There will be new Maps to review and a questionnaire to complete. Please mark your calendar and make plans to attend one or more of these meetings!

Latest HCPS District Maps

2009-02-16T06:01:00.001-08:00

The HCPS Redistricting Subcommittees met last week to further adjust the draft boundary maps and consider recommended changes offered by the County's consultant, Cropper GIS.

Per Cropper, feeder patterns from ES and MS maps and community feedback were taken into consideration when developing two HS scenarios - both of which put OHR at Freeman - not Godwin. Again, we don't even have a Godwin option on the table.

Click here to view the two newest map "pairings" that overlay proposed ES, MS and HS boundaries.

The maps aren't easy to decifer, but read as follows:

Pairing #1: OHR at Davis ES, Byrd MS and Freeman HS

Pairing #2: OHR at Pemberton ES, Byrd MS and Freeman HS

The entire Pemberton Corridor (westside) would be at Byrd MS and Freeman HS under these scenarios.

OHR is the only neighborhood to flip between Davis ES and Pemberton ES in these scenarios - otherwise, the rest of the neighborhoods along the Pemberton Corridor stay at their current Elementary School.

If you haven't written to Lisa Marshall in a while, NOW is the time to drop her a line. Our communications have dropped off and it shows!

Squeaky wheel - remember. So let's start squeaking LOUDLY again.

Keep the Pemberton Corridor Together - Keep us at Godwin!

Letter from Scott Kerr (Feb. 13)

2009-02-16T05:53:00.000-08:00

Dear Mrs. Marshall,

My wife, Kim, attended both the High School Sub-committee and Combined Committee meetings this week. From the contact you have had with myself, my wife and my friends and neighbors, I think you must agree, that we have participated in this process in a very logical, vigorous, and respectful manner. I would dare say that many of us have spent as much time researching and gathering thoughtful solutions as many of the committee members.

Yet, after all of our work, The Pemberton Corridor, with over 25 years of attendance at Godwin, was not given the courtesy or consideration of at least an examination of the possibility of staying at Godwin High School. It is inconceivable to me that not a single map was ever considered with the option of the entire Pemberton Corridor remaining at Godwin. In fact other areas, with absolutely zero history at Godwin have been considered and in fact recommended by the committee to attend Godwin.

I feel as though we have been ignored and marginalized in this process. I can assure you that we will keep engaged in the process in respectful and passionate manner, but with a great since of frustration and sense of futility.

It is my hope that you will consider our arguments thoughtfully and in the end, at least give us the consideration that I believe we merit. Any advice or council would be greatly appreciated. My wife and I are open to any help you are able to offer. If you desire we would be happy to organize a meeting with the Pemberton Corridor so that we can meet.

I want conclude by saying thank you for your vote on the “Grandfathering” clause that will allow our son to graduate from Godwin. This news was greeted with much celebration in our house. It is my hope that his sister will be able to follow in his footsteps.

Regards,

Scott Kerr
9514 Oldhouse Run
Henrico, VA 23238

Letter from Kim Kerr (January 30)

2009-02-02T06:15:00.000-08:00

Dear Mrs. Marshall,

I attended the high school sub committee meeting on January 22, 2009, at Hermitage High School. I understand the committee has now narrowed the field of high school maps down to two. These two maps still do not offer our community an option to stay at our current high school, Godwin. I am still hopeful that when the feeder patterns are added into the mix, we will then, see an option for the Pemberton Corridor to remain at Godwin High School.

On a positive note, I did overhear one committee member say that although Map C was not favored at the community forums, it did offer many feasible options for change. I am optimistic that with a portion of the Pemberton Corridor (2 neighborhoods on the Southern end of Pemberton) zoned for Godwin in Map C, it could be an easy move on this map, to unite the remainder of our corridor, and allow us to remain at Godwin High School (approximately 80 additional students). I am hopeful that our communities' collective voice has been heard and that we may at least have one map option to stay at Godwin High School, since we have been part of its family for over 25 years.

I also wanted to mention that although the community feedback was shared with the sub committee members in the form of printed charts and tables, it did not seem to have an impact on the map choices which moved forward, nor was it discussed at length or were there any changes made to the current maps using the information. I am hopeful that will happen at the next round of meetings, because, if it is not, then it was a useless exercise and a waste of the community’s time and efforts.

I participated in the Feedback Committee Forum at Wilder Middle School. Time was an issue and it was handled by letting each person report only the information that was different from the comments already submitted by previous feed back representatives. I felt that this skewed the results by weighting a single comment made by one person as important as a comment heard from two hundred people. I am curious if by collecting the notes, the data will be analyzed and culminated into a report that would accurately identify where most concerns lie with the county's citizens.

Thank you for your continued support and advice. I know that Oldhouse Run and the Pemberton Corridor were voicing concerns very early on in this process. At present, many other communities are now involved as well. I realize that can make for an even more complicated process, which could possibly result with many communities disappointed. I only want to reiterate our cause, and press upon those of you with a voice in this matter, the school board and volunteer members on the community committee, to keep the Pemberton Corridor's concerns in mind as movements to the final maps are made.

Sincerely,

Kim Kerr
Oldhouse Run

Recent Letter from Laura Hennig

2009-02-02T06:13:00.000-08:00

January 30, 2009

Ladies and Gentlemen:

In addition to attending the January 22nd HS Committee Meeting, our neighborhood is continuing to stay informed and involved with the 2010 redistricting process. My letter today is to address the transition implications and disruptions that both High School Map A and especially Map C as currently proposed will have on our children.

There is a large number of students along our corridor that will directly impacted by the 2010 changes. Among the 19 high school age children in our neighborhood (Census Tract #), there are 12 children currently in 7th and 8th grade. They will be the ones in the midst of immediate change as a result of the 2010 decisions. In addition, another 8+ Oldhouse Run students will have already began their middle school education and will experience a disruption by attending Byrd and not continuing to Godwin in my opinion as well. It will not be until 2013 that we as parents along with our children would truly transition. Is it not a possibility that we could experience yet another change with a new HS set to open around that time?

From my understanding of the current student capacity charts, the Godwin numbers are projected to drop below capacity from 2010-2013, as is Freeman. In studying the multitude of disruptions and particularly on Map C, it is my hope that the HS committee members can focus and begin restoring as an option the neighborhoods that wish to remain in their current districts – especially if projected student population in those districts is expected to decrease. There are over 28 census tracts being moved on Map C alone. I do not feel this in any way minimizes the effects of redistricting.

We have continued to communicate our position and still do not have a Godwin scenario for consideration as of 1-22-09. It is unfortunate for many, but I do feel strongly that the redistricting changes our children face are very significant. At least with a new high school, relationships, rivals, clubs, teams, loyalties, etc. have not been established. With the current scenarios, friends and even siblings could be competing against each other. Families and neighborhoods will be divided as the ramifications play out in the coming years. We feel, the Pemberton corridor neighbors along with many others in the existing Godwin and Freeman neighborhoods have enjoyed, understand and make these relationships work. We have been doing this for over 25 years with success. I do believe the utmost consideration should be given to long standing partnerships in the existing Godwin district.

Please understand, changing schools impacts two of our biggest investments... our children and our home. Although it would be an inconvenience to provide transportation and outside classrooms are not desirable, I do believe a workable solution for all is what we strive for in this process.

Please keep in mind that along with the Sophomores that are forced to change schools after only one year, the Freshman classes of 2010 and beyond will also feel the impact of lost bonds that have been established with programs at Byrd, athletics, older classmates and faculty. It is difficult for a child to essentially start over and many in our neighborhood will feel in the minority as they transition to high school based on current proposals. Taking our children and sending them to a far lying area of the district such as proposed in Map C, would definitely affect their self esteem and social confidence.

We have continually been trying to make this known to the committee since October 2008. Our neighborhoods are established. We did not choose to be in a rapidly growing and over developed area that can expect changes such as these. Our commitment to our current high school is strong and should be very evident especially in the petition information that was received.

I know this is a complex issue, but please consider the long term effects on our children and the neighborhoods we have called home for such a long time. Please support and restore the existing boundaries for Oldhouse Run to Stay at Godwin and Stay Together with the Godwin community.

Laura Hennig

Update from HS Meeting Held Jan. 22

2009-01-23T12:04:00.000-08:00

Several OHR residents attended the High School Subcommittee meeeting last night at Hermitage High School. Although some feedback from the Community Forums was presented to and discussed by committee members, the primary agenda item was to narrow the draft maps from three to two primary choices with very little attention to feeder patterns, comments, etc. at this point. With 19 of the 24 members present, High School Maps A and C were voted on to move forward:

Map A has the entire Pemberton corridor at Freeman HS.

Map C has a portion of the corridor at Tucker (including OHR).

Click here to view the HS maps.

NOTE: Although Map C is not a favorable scenario for us right now, further consideration and adjustments to this map by the subcommittee could help us in the long run. Map C has the most room for improvement, and because the southern portion of the Pemberton corridor is at Godwin in this scenario, and combined we as a corridor only have around 100 high school age children, there are fewer #'s that would need to be adjusted to draw us back into Godwin district.

The next High School Subcommittee meeting is Wednesday, February 11 at Hermitage High School Library where we expect to see more movements in the maps with feeder patterns studied and taken into consideration, along with continued public feedback.

Also, from subcommittee meetings held earlier in the week regarding ES and MS maps:

Elementary School: Maps C and D (OHR at Davis in C, and Pemberton in D)

Middle School: Maps A and D (OHR at Byrd MS in both scenarios)

Quail Run Letter

2009-01-13T06:46:00.001-08:00

Below is a letter from a resident of Quail Run that very clearly advocates our shared position to remain at Godwin, while also offering thoughtful observations and feedback regarding the draft maps...

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We are residents of Quail Run, a subdivision along the Pemberton Corridor between Three Chopt and Quioccasin (census tract 06207). Quail Run, as well as the other subdivisions along this corridor, have been in the Godwin high school district for over 25 years – since the day it opened its doors. We are saddened and disappointed that the proposed redistricting options have moved us out of the Godwin district into Freeman (Options A and D) or Tucker (Option C).

Option A only marginally changes the student populations at Freeman and Godwin. To make such a devastating change for a marginal result just doesn’t make sense. Also, Option A still leaves an overcrowding problem in the Highland Springs and Henrico HS areas. In looking at the map, it appears that some of this could be alleviated by moving Tucker’s Northeast boundary up (tracts 11107 and 11114) and letting Freeman keep its Monument Avenue students (Tracts 44006, 44007, 04003, 04002, 04001, 45301, 45302). This would also make it unnecessary to redraw my boundary simply to beef up Freeman’s population. This option seems to ignore current overcrowding problems in other districts while creating new problems for those of us being cut from a school district that we know and love and have been a part of for more than 25 years.

We do not support Option C which splits the Pemberton Corridor in half, allowing some of the subdivisions to stay in the Godwin area, while others, including our own, are redistricted to Tucker. First, this is an unnatural boundary which splits a tight community in half. Second, it makes a difficult transition for our children who will most likely attend Byrd Middle School. Most of Byrd’s population will go off to Godwin or Freeman except for the scant few of our Pemberton Corridor children who will be forced to go off to Tucker. Lastly, Tucker High School is in the Three Chopt District, and our voting district is Tuckahoe. This leaves us with no representation and no voice. That is truly UNFAIR!!

We also do not support Option D. Again, the marginal difference in student population does not justify uprooting our longstanding membership in the Godwin community. It also again seems to ignore true overcrowding issues at Deep Run which could be alleviated by leaving some of Tucker’s existing North Boundaries (tracts 40602, 40610). Also, it makes no sense in moving a big Freeman area to Tucker (Tracts 44006, 44007, 04003, 04002, 04001, 45301, 45302) and then force us to move to Freeman. This Option D does not respect current boundaries and creates more disturbance and problems than it solves.

None of these options shows the dire need to redistrict our small group of subdivisions, but ALL of these options uproot a longstanding Godwin community, potentially split close knit relations, and rob us of a nationally recognized school and education that many of us consciously chose when we purchased our homes. We have been a part of Godwin since its doors opened over 25 years ago. Godwin is not just a school to us, it is a tradition and we want to remain a part of it. Please rethink your decision to redistrict the Pemberton Corridor and redraw your maps to put us back in the Godwin School District.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Erika and John Almstead
Quail Run residents (Census tract 06207)

RTD: Western Henrico groups protest school-zone options

2009-01-08T14:16:00.000-08:00

Click here to read the Times-Dispatch story about the Community Forum held January 7 at Godwin.

Last Community Forum TONIGHT!

2009-01-07T08:05:00.000-08:00

Tonight is the third and final Redistricting Community Forum for the public to offer written comment on the proposed ES, MS and HS boundary maps.

The event runs from 6:00-7:30pm at Godwin High School. The public will be able to view the maps and provide feedback in writing. If you are not able to make the forum tonight but wish to view the maps (Elementary, Middle and High) and make comment, contact Laura Hennig or Kim Kerr for a blank "questionnaire".

Laura's number is 869-9269.

Completed questionnaire's need to be returned to Laura or Kim no later than 5:00pm this evening.

Please make plans to attend, or at the very least provide written comment.

Redistricting News Coverage

2009-01-06T07:45:00.000-08:00

News coverage of last night's redistricting community forum at Hermitage.

Richmond Times-Dispatch: Henrico unveils school-zone plans

NBC 12: Second meeting on Henrico school redistrict tonight

NBC 12: Henrico redistricting process draws criticism

2009-01-05T06:11:00.001-08:00

Click here to view the story.

Redistricting Community Forums Coming Up Next Week!

2009-01-02T20:24:00.000-08:00

The County will host three Community Forums this coming week seeking citizen comment on proposed school boundaries.

Draft maps have Oldhouse Run and much of the Pemberton corridor being moved out of Godwin district into either Tucker or Freeman.

Right now, Godwin is not even an option for OHR! We need full neighborhood participation at these forums if we have a chance to stay at Godwin!

Community Forums will take place from 6-7:30pm on January 5, 6 & 7 at the following locations:

January 5 – Hermitage High School

January 6 – Elko Middle School

January 7 – Godwin High School

All school maps will be available for review and comment. Here are quick links to the draft Elementary, Middle and High School maps.

Public comment will be accepted in writing. Suggested terms to use for this purpose are as follows:

1. Remain at Godwin
2. Strength of COMMUNITY along Pemberton corridor at Godwin High
3. Unique curriculum offerings at Godwin and CONTINUITY of programs such as Athletics, Band, String, Chorus, etc. between Byrd and Godwin
4. Need to minimize effects of redistricting on our community

Please plan to attend at least one of these Community Forums!

NBC12 Story on HCPS Redistricting

2009-01-02T20:19:00.000-08:00

Channel 12 ran a story on the HCPS redistricting earlier this week. Tara Adams, Co-Chair of the High School Committee was interviewed. Click here for more.

OHR Community Meeting Tonight

2008-12-30T09:14:00.000-08:00

Oldhouse Run neighbors will be holding a community meeting on Tuesday, Dec 30 regarding the current HCPS redistricting. Along with viewing and discussing the 3 draft high school boundary maps, we will also address the Community Forums coming up January 5-7 and the ongoing redistricting process.

NOTE: We will have a member of the Redistricting Committee in attendance to discuss the maps and hear our ideas and concerns.

Meeting information is as follows:

Tuesday, December 30
7:30-8:30pm

Tuckahoe Public Library
(TU Meeting Room)
1901 Starling Drive
Henrico, VA 23229

Right now the maps being considered have OHR drawn out of Godwin completely! Two scenarios have us at Freeman, one at Tucker.

If we have any hope of fighting this and staying at Godwin, we need full community support and participation in the process.

To learn more and to get involved, please plan to join us for this meeting on Dec 30.

Revised High School Boundary Maps Online

2008-12-23T07:23:00.000-08:00

The updated high school district maps have been posted to the HCPS website. Click here to view.

These are the maps to be reviewed and commented on by the public at Community Forums taking place January 5-7.

Of the 3 maps, two scenarios move us to Freeman - one puts us at Tucker. OHR has been removed from the Godwin district completely!

We must continue to contact County school officials urging them to keep OHR at Godwin. The Community Forums in early January are our next focus, and we will need strong participation among residents!

To organize, we will be hosting a neighborhood meeting on Tuesday, December 30 from 7:30-8:30 PM at the Tuckahoe Library. We will hear from invited members of the High School Redistricting Subcommittee (Godwin reps) on the redistricting process, as well as discuss the maps and HCPS Community Forums. Residents are strongly encouraged to attend.

For your reference, the proposed Elementary and Middle School maps have also been posted.

RTD: School-boundary proposals ready for review

2008-12-22T07:57:00.000-08:00

There was a brief write up in Sunday's Times-Dispatch regarding the HCPS Redistricting.

When asked how the process was going, Pat Kinlaw (Asst. Superintendent for Administrative Services) was quoted as saying, "There are neighborhoods organizing to express concerns and offer feedback, and that's what we want."

So, let's give them what they want. If we are going to keep OHR at Godwin we must continue to participate in the public process and express our opinions to County officials.

If you haven't already, please write an email to our leaders and plan to attend the Community Forums coming up January 5-7.

Stand up! Speak up!

New High School District Maps Online!

2008-12-22T07:21:00.000-08:00

The High School Redistricting Subcommittee met last week to adjust the new boundary maps and approve the drafts to be reviewed during the Community Forums taking place January 5-7.

Representatives from neighborhoods along the Pemberton corridor were there in force - with at least 13 OHR residents among the 20 or so members of the public in attendance.

After several hours of discussion (and number crunching) the subcommittee presented 3 draft maps - NONE of which keep OHR at Godwin! In fact, the scenarios have our entire corridor going to either Freeman (2 maps) or Tucker (1 map).

HCPS will be posting these maps online later today. Click here to view.

If we have any chance of staying at Godwin, it is critical that we all attend and participate in the Community Forums coming up January 5-7. The public will be allowed to view the maps up close and leave written comment. The feedback received during these forums will be taken into consideration as the subcommittee prepares the FINAL map for the School Board to consider.

OHR needs a BIG turnout for the meetings!

Stay tuned for more info on the forums. Meantime, mark your calendar with these important dates.

Monday, January 5
6:00-7:30 PM
Hermitage High School
8301 Hungary Spring Road

Tuesday, January 6
6:00-7:30 PM
Elko Middle School
5901 Elko Road

Wednesday, January 7
6:00-7:30 PM
Godwin High School
2101 Pump Road

Letter from Scott & Kim Kerr

2008-12-22T07:20:00.001-08:00

Ladies and Gentlemen;

My husband and I were in attendance of the high school sub committee meeting at Wilder Middle School on December 17th. Our concern is that our neighborhood, Oldhouse Run (Census Tract # 0620819) which currently falls within the Godwin school zone is being moved out of that zone on the current maps.

We hope that you will kindly consider keeping our neighborhood and the entire Pemberton Corridor within the Godwin boundaries.

I have a better understanding of the process after attending the meeting, and think that over all, everyone was trying to do the right thing. I also gathered that one of your goals was to minimize the amount of disruption, by only moving the boundaries that are deemed neccessary.

To meet those intentions of the redistricting project by minimizing the amount ofchange, I think that to move our neighborhood from its current school, just to move another one in, you are, in actuality, disrupting two communities. Since Godwin is not currently at capacity, it would be less disruptive to move those on the boundaries fringe into Godwin district and keeping all those already within the boundaries where they are now zoned.

The Pemberton Corridor, according to the census numbers, has 106 high school students, that is roughly 26 students per grade. Please reconsider your lines and allow these kids to stay at their school. Many of our children enjoy the continuity of the strings, band and choral programs as well as the athletics from Byrd to Godwin. The relationships with kids they play football and baseball with, serve in student government and have classes together, are important to them. It is imperative to them to remain at Godwin and finish high school with these friends.

I know you may not hear it often, but my husband and I appreciate the time and effort all of the volunteers have dedicated to this process. I know it is a huge task and I know that everyone will not be happy with all of the results. I just hope that you will hear our plea to allow our small group of kids to remain at Godwin, where they belong. It just makes sense.

Thank You,

Warm regards,

Scott and Kim Kerr
Census Tract # 0620819

Letter from Terri Lancaster (in response to Lisa Marshall)

2008-12-15T07:02:00.000-08:00

Good Morning Mrs. Marshall,

Thank you for your reply regarding my concerns. I wasn't sure if anyone even received my e-mail since I have not had a single response to my letter from anyone on the committee. That does disturb me. I also find it hard to sit back and do nothing while this process speeds on by without the public knowing about it. We are people with a vested interest in our children's education. Since you are not technically involved in the process, and the people who are don't respond to my concerns, who then do I turn to?

I do have a story that matters. My daughter Sarah is a 7th grader at Byrd Middle school. She has Down Syndrome which makes her life much harder than yours or mine. She has friends in Pindale Farms, Gates Head, Springtree and Rockstone that she has always gone to school with. Sarah has always ridden the bus with and gone to school with her typical peers. This is her life. As a parent I can send her to school and know that the bus driver who has know her for 7 years will look out for her. I know the students that have been in class with her know how to help her through times of confusion. I know these peers will get help for her when she needs it. Sarah's life is being part of her community and going to school with her neighbors. It has taken us years to develop these relationships and they mean everything to Sarah. How can I stand idly by and allow this committee to destroy Sarah's world. We are the real people that are being affected.

Below is Sarah with her Dad. She is a resident in Oldhouse Run and wants to remain with her peers along the Pemberton Road corridor. Please keep our children at Godwin. Do not rezone our neighborhood to Tucker!!!!!!!

Sincerely,

Terri Lancaster
9601 January Way
census number 0620819

Worth Repeating - Email County Officials TODAY!

2008-12-14T19:28:00.000-08:00

The citizen committee tasked with drafting the school boundaries is meeting this Wednesday, December 17 to finalize maps. Now is the time to contact these people and ask them to keep OHR in Godwin district.

PLEASE - write a short note and email it to the following people:

Citizen Advisory Committee:
jfranz@henrico.k12.va.us
eshepard@henrico.k12.va.us
trich@henrico.k12.va.us
mnhedrick1@henrico.k12.va.us
teadams@henrico.k12.va.us
dvelasquez@henrico.k12.va.us

School Board:
schoolboard@henrico.k12.va.us
lamarshall@henrico.k12.va.us

Superintendent of Schools:
fmorton@henrico.k12.va.us

Assist Superintendent of Schools:
pckinlaw@henrico.k12.va.us

Board of Supervisors:
tuckahoe@co.henrico.va.us

All of these people NEED to hear from us!

Here are a few points to bring up in your email:

- Sense of community

- Neighborhoods and esp. driveways being dividing lines

- We do not currently even share a border w/ Tucker District

- Pemberton corridor potentially feeding 3-4 high schools

- We should not be districted out of Godwin due to over-development in the far west end

-Encourage committee members to visit our neighborhoods along with the consultant - Matt Cropper

Speak up!

Petition drive a success!

2008-12-14T19:25:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all the volunteers that canvassed the neighborhood on a very cold Saturday morning... and thanks to all that signed the petition. All told we gathered 190 signatures! Considering there are 126 homes in OHR, that's a great return.

We plan to deliver the petitions to the County School Board office on Monday (Dec. 15).

Will keep the blog posted with any response we receive.

Letter from Kim Kerr

2008-12-14T18:49:00.001-08:00

Dear Ms. Marshall,

I am writing to you in regards to the 2010 Boundaries issue. I am extremely concerned with the current proposed boundaries involving our community (US Census Tract 0620819). I come to you, hoping that you can support and communicate my concerns to all those involved in this process. I applied to be a part of the advisory committees, but was not selected. I am curious if it were an oversight or a strategy to keep members from this corridor off of the high school sub committee.

It was not without careful consideration and financial strain that we purchased our home in the Godwin District. We have lived in this neighborhood for 12 years and have attended plays, concerts and athletics at Godwin High School. We have invested our time and efforts into this school and our children, neighbors’ children and friends along the Pemberton corridor have helped achieve the stellar academic environment that Godwin High School offers. Our children deserve to reap the educational benefits their siblings and neighbors have set forth.

I am particularly agitated with the 4 maps that are up for consideration. I cannot fathom breaking up this area into 3 different high schools. What will happen to our sense of community? Parents who have worked side by side at bake sales and blood drives, mourned loses, celebrated victories, organized field trips and carpools, will be divided by imaginary lines. In one case, map #16, has a boundary line drawn between Oldhouse Run and Rockstone, in actuality, this line is a mere driveway, as our neighborhood and Rockstone share entrances. I would encourage all of the subcommittees and officials to tour this area, and see how our neighborhoods are inter-connected with shared roads and common areas.

Of the twelve years that I have lived here, rezoning issues have affected our community at least 3 times prior to this one. It is unfair, that even with the current proposals, we are still on a boundary line and will undoubtedly come up for rezoning once again, in the future.

My son who currently attends eighth grade at Byrd Middle, will attend 9th grade at Godwin, in 2010, under the current proposal, he will be rezoned to a different school. That is absurd. My son has an educational 504 Plan in place, he has ADHD and with this comes issues with change. He is achieving academic success and social confidence in his current situation, if this plan is carried out, his situation would be equal to starting over at square one. We have come too far to start over with his education plan.

As our elected official, I appreciate your attention and would like to hear your response to these concerns. I feel confident that this boundary debacle is not the way you would like to define your term in office. Please support Oldhouse Run and the Pemberton Corridor to STAY AT GODWIN.

Regards,

Kim Kerr

9514 Oldhouse Drive

Richmond, VA 23238

Letter from Jeff Jones

2008-12-14T18:44:00.000-08:00

To Whom It May Concern:

As a concerned parent and community member I wish to implore you to keep our community of Old House Run in the Godwin school district when considering the new redistricting plan.

Before you make any decisions I would also ask that you please visit our communities, along with the outside consultant Mr. Cropper, to consider how you will impact real people who will be affected by this change.

I fail to see how it makes sense to disrupt long-standing communities who are not in the midst of huge growth and whose schools are not overcrowded when a problem of overdevelopment lies elsewhere.

We along Pemberton Road have built relationships with hundreds of people over the years in neighboring communities and are extremely upset that we might possibly be divided.

Again, I wish to express how I am extremely upset that communities like Old House Run, that have been here for over 25 years, might possibly be disassociated with Godwin High School. This is our community school and we have invested enormous amounts of time, energy and even our money to make it what it is today.

Thank you for your kind consideration to this matter.

Sincerely,

Jeff Jones

Jeffery C. Jones
9605 January Drive
Richmond, VA 23238

Letter from Jim Hennig

2008-12-14T18:39:00.000-08:00

Two tenths of a mile.

Two tenths of a mile is less than one lap around the track at Mills Godwin High School. Two tenths of a mile is also the total distance between the neighborhood entrances for Oldhouse Run and it’s two adjoining neighborhoods. Yet, it is my understanding that one of the proposed redistricting maps being considered has Oldhouse Run and it’s two adjoining neighborhoods attending three different high schools. Three different high schools! And none of the four proposals has Oldhouse Run attending its current high school - Mills Godwin.

I understand that making choices for high school redistricting is a difficult task. But the recommendations and decisions being made involve so much more than making numbers on a census map “work”. Oldhouse Run and other neighborhoods on the western side of Pemberton Road have been going to Mills Godwin since the 1980's. The children, parents and families in Oldhouse Run and these neighborhoods have helped build Godwin into the successful school it is today. These results didn’t happen overnight. These children and families helped build Godwin over the last 20 years by founding and supporting the Godwin PTA; band boosters riding on long bus trips to attend competitions; athletic boosters raising funds on cold Friday nights at the football game, homeowner’s donating lumber to build a theater set, and all volunteering their personal time and finances to countless other Godwin committees, charities and events. How is it even possible to ignore over 20 years of history and not put forth even one recommendation where Oldhouse Run children will not attend Mills Godwin?

Oldhouse Run and the neighborhoods along western Pemberton Road are not natural dividing lines to satisfy a numerical goal. They are real communities with real people that have a long term history with Mills Godwin. A history that out dates many other neighborhoods now being considered for the Godwin district. In fact, out dating some of those neighborhoods not just by years, but practically decades. A history that now appears may not have been truly considered, or worse yet, ignored.

Oldhouse Run is now part of the “Godwin community”. It’s daughters and sons have always been a part of the Godwin community” and should remain as part of the “Godwin Community”. Just as Godwin was (and is) their older sister’s or brother’s school, younger children want it to remain their school. Family history and a sense of community are more important than ever in these challenging times. To present any other alternatives that don’t consider Oldhouse Run’s success in building Godwin doesn’t make sense to me and the 126 families that live here. No more sense than setting forth a proposal splitting three neighborhoods separated by less than one quarter of a mile into three different high schools.

I appreciate your consideration of the above and your support in recommending that Oldhouse Run remain in the Godwin district, just as it always has been since this neighborhood was built decades ago.

Jim Hennig
9542 Oldhouse Dr.
Oldhouse Run Neighborhood / Census Track #0620819

Letter from January Britt

2008-12-14T18:36:00.000-08:00

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

Sign the petition!

2008-12-13T11:54:00.001-08:00

Volunteers canvassed the neighborhood this morning getting signatures on a petition to keep OHR at Godwin! At last count we had just over 170 signatures.

If we missed you this morning and you wish to sign the petition, give Laura Hennig or Jeff Britt a call.

Laura: 869-9269

Jeff: 937-1937

Last chance to sign is SUNDAY!

Write an email to County officials!

2008-12-11T10:13:00.000-08:00

The citizen committee tasked with drafting the school boundaries is meeting on Wednesday, December 17 to finalize maps. Now is the time to contact these people and ask them to keep OHR in Godwin district.

PLEASE - write a short note and email it to the following people:

Citizen Advisory Committee:
jfranz@henrico.k12.va.us
eshepard@henrico.k12.va.us
trich@henrico.k12.va.us
mnhedrick1@henrico.k12.va.us
teadams@henrico.k12.va.us
dvelasquez@henrico.k12.va.us

School Board:
schoolboard@henrico.k12.va.us
lamarshall@henrico.k12.va.us

Superintendent of Schools:
fmorton@henrico.k12.va.us

Assist Superintendent of Schools:
pckinlaw@henrico.k12.va.us

Board of Supervisors:
tuckahoe@co.henrico.va.us

All of these people NEED to hear from us!

Here are a few points to bring up in your email:

- Sense of community

- Neighborhoods and esp. driveways being dividing lines

- We do not currently even share a border w/ Tucker District

- Pemberton corridor potentially feeding 3-4 high schools

- We should not be districted out of Godwin due to over-development in the far west end

-Encourage committee members to visit our neighborhoods along with the consultant - Matt Cropper

-The fact that children directly impacted this have already endured previous re-zoning. They are the ones that have felt the impact of the previous hodgepodge of re-zoning measures.

Don't sit on the sidelines - speak up!

Letter from Terri Lancaster to Lisa Marshall (Henrico School Board)

2008-12-11T10:01:00.000-08:00

December 9, 2008

Lisa Marshall
Henrico County School Board
Tuckahoe District

Good Morning,

My name is Terri Lancaster and I am a resident of Oldhouse Run subdivision off Pemberton Road. I am writing to you today to express my extreme displeasure with the high school redistricting options that are now on the table for our children for 2010.

According to the maps that will be made public on December 22 the corridor along Pemberton Road could be divided into 3 high school zones. Our neighborhood, along with Rockstone, Gates Head, Spring Tree and Pinedale Farms have been a community for over 25 years. We are not just census numbers on a map. We are tired of being shuffled around from school zone to school zone to accommodate the overcrowding in the far west end.

We chose to move here 12 years ago because it wasn’t crowded and the schools were the best. Why should we have to be pushed to a school that is clearly inferior in all categories from the one we have been zoned to since our neighborhood was built in the early 1980s.

Last year I attended a meeting at Byrd Middle School along with many other parents and the redistricting process was discussed. We were assured by you, Ms. Marshall, that the public would be kept abreast of the process every step of the way. In my opinion being kept abreast of the process means having input about where my children attend school. I do not feel that 24 people who know nothing about our neighborhood are qualified to decide their fate.

We had several parents apply to be members of the committee so that our voice would be heard but none of them were selected. One of these individuals was never even acknowledged as an applicant. Is this a fair process?

Our neighborhood (census tract number 0620819) has been slated to move to J.R. Tucker on 3 of the 4 proposals that remain on the table. Godwin is not an option at all. Our school of 20+ years has been totally taken away from us without any input from our neighborhood. This is totally unacceptable. I am adamantly opposed to my children being rezoned to Tucker High School.

I have been keeping myself informed of this process from the very beginning and am aware of all of the meetings and how the process is supposed to work. I am attending the meetings and will continue to voice my opinion. I also am aware of the public hearings that will be coming in January and will be in attendance. I would also like to think that the public hearings will matter but I have my doubts.

Please let the record state that the residents of 9601 January Way oppose being moved to J.R. Tucker High School.

Sincerely,

Terri Lancaster
9601 January Way
Oldhouse Run Subdivision

Godwin High School Among Nation's Best High Schools

2008-12-09T09:12:00.000-08:00

U.S. News & World Report released it's list of the top high schools in the nation. Of the more than 21,000 schools considered, Godwin was among the 504 silver medalists, along with Deep Run. Analysis was conducted on test scrores, performance of disadvantaged students and college coursework available.

Click here to read the story from the Times-Dispatach.

Click here to review the U.S. News & World Report list of top U.S. high schools.

Info on Henrico School Redistricting

2008-12-08T19:57:00.000-08:00

Click here for more info on the County's redistricting process.