Dear Charlottesville City Schools community–

We are writing to express our deep disappointment in the federal government rescinding its decision to transfer the Federal Executive Institute (FEI) campus to Charlottesville City Schools. We simply cannot overstate what a setback this is. Being selected to acquire the FEI at no cost was a once-in-a-generation opportunity for our schools. The federal government has now taken this away for reasons that are frankly not clear. 

Our priority now is to ensure that the preschool remains on track to open in August 2026, and we do not have time to delay. As part of work to modernize Buford Middle School and return 5th-graders to their elementary schools, we developed several good options for our preschoolers on the Walker campus, and we will follow these plans.

Unfortunately the loss of FEI still creates many significant negative impacts on students, including the loss of expanded alternative learning and special needs spaces. Crucially, we are losing the chance to expand the schools’ physical footprint to get “breathing room” for future needs.

We have heard from many members of our community who are frustrated, angry, and sad to see this property go to UVA rather than to our students. We share your grief. In April, I asked UVA to step aside and not apply for this property—I didn’t want this to be a competition between us. 

We have many positive long-standing connections at UVA, specifically with the School of Education and the Center for Community Partnerships. But there is more that needs to be done to improve our relationship with the institution as a whole. As we move forward, we consider this a moment to ask how UVA and CCS can maximize opportunities to support one another in the service of our students and community.

It’s also a moment to appreciate the strength of Charlottesville. As a Board, we have been blown away by how the community championed this possibility. We know that with your continued support and the City’s backing—and perhaps even a new level of investment from UVA—we will get our kids the facilities, programs, and opportunities they deserve.

Emily Dooley, Chair, and the Charlottesville City School Board