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!
Monday, February 16, 2009
Letter from Scott Kerr (Feb. 13)
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
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
Monday, February 2, 2009
Letter from Kim Kerr (January 30)
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
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
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
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
Friday, January 23, 2009
Update from HS Meeting Held Jan. 22
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)
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)
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Quail Run Letter
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)
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)
Thursday, January 8, 2009
RTD: Western Henrico groups protest school-zone options
Click here to read the Times-Dispatch story about the Community Forum held January 7 at Godwin.
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