Moms Talk Q&A: FCPS Southwestern Boundary Study

Parents, what's on your minds? 

Every week Centreville Patch hosts a chat session with our Moms Council and other local parents on topics that are important to our community. This week's discussion focuses on the proposed school boundary changes in the southwestern part of the county. The school board is expected to make a decision on the boundary study at their Feb. 24 meeting. 

The proposed changes are an attempt to relieve overcrowding, which is a serious problem at a number of local schools. Colin Powell Elementary, for instance, will have nearly two hundred students more then the recommended number during the next school year, according to projection data.

However, the changes have also attracted a great deal of controversy. Over half of the PTAs at schools affected by the changes have voted in favor of a resolution expressing "no confidence" in the study. Clifton parents have been particularly vocal in expressing opposition to the closure of the town's elementary school, and their children will be sent to several different schools in the area. Many parents from schools throughout the area have said at public meetings that they believe the proposed changes are not a long-term solution to the problem of overcrowding.

To view a powerpoint presentation with an animated map of the proposed changes, click here. You can also read a summary of the proposed changes and some local parents' concerns by . 

Please share your constructive comments on the boundary study below. What should the school board change from the staff recommendation? What should stay the same? Are any concerns still unaddressed?

The discussion will open at 1 p.m.