As our schools see continued growth in enrollment, we’re starting a community conversation about possible elementary rezoning. This summer the school division released a request for proposals for a consultant on the issue of elementary school rezoning, as described in the Strategic Plan (in the category of Ensure Effective and Efficient Operations, strategy 16). Since this would be the first comprehensive discussion about rezoning in our community since Jackson-Via was built, it will be especially helpful to have outside expertise.

We have hired a firm to assist us, and rezoning is a likely recommendation. Following community presentations and engagements this fall, the Board will vote on recommendations in February 2025, with likely implementation in August 2026, which would coincide with the return of 5th-graders to elementary schools. Rezoning would enable the division to avoid overcrowding issues or the need to install learning cottages at some elementary schools.

This rezoning work is triggered by the net additional units scheduled for completion at South First Street during the 24-25 school year and other affordable housing work already in progress. We also anticipate that Charlottesville’s recently adopted upzoning changes as well as UVA’s plan to require all second-year students to live on campus (thereby freeing up housing stock for families) will lead to increases in the K-12 student population.

There are different approaches to rezoning implementation, including some phased approaches. The consultant would also make a recommendation about how to implement the new zones.

If they recommend new elementary zones, they will try to respect the City's current "neighborhood" boundaries, and they will also work to achieve diversity at each school. Other key considerations for rezoning include (included in the RFP):

• Maximize Walkability 
• Maximize Bus Route Efficiency 
• Adhere to Recognized Neighborhood Boundaries (whenever possible)
• Maintain or Improve Diversity & Demographic Balance Across Schools
• Maximize Zone Sustainability (minimum 5 years before any future rezoning)  

UPCOMING REZONING DISCUSSION EVENTS
Meetings are drop-in and open to the public. Interpretation is available.

• Monday, October 28: Greenbrier, 5-7pm
• Tuesday, October 29: Jackson-Via, 4-6pm
• Wednesday, October 30: Summit, 5-7pm
• Wednesday, November 6 (Zoom): 12-1:30pm (register here) and 6-7:30pm (register here)

LINK TO THE PROJECT WEBSITE

Find the full rezoning project website here. The website has been updated with 4 draft recommendations for rezoning.

UPDATES TO THE SCHOOL BOARD

• September 5, 2024