Western High School Boundary Map options (A/B/C/D)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is my take:

An earlier PP seems to think that Westfield is losing kids to Skyview because of Crossfield. THAT IS NOT TRUE!

Reaction to Map A

Westfield is losing kids to Skyview because they live in close proximity to Skyview and because it has never been good for that area to be at Westfield. The only reason they were at Westfield is because there was no local school for them. If you look at a map, they are separated from the rest of the residential areas of Westfield by the airport and industrial faciiities. The time/distance is extreme and the traffic is terrible.
Benefit to the students: community cohesiveness and ability to participate in after school activities
Benefit to the school system: big savings in transportation (buses, fuel, and drivers) Also, Westfield is reaching capacity with new contruction in the area. Approaching 2800 students.

Some Crossfield parents want their kids to stay at Oakton which makes no sense because of the distance. Crossfield neighborhoods are VERY close to Skyview and a very long way from Oakton.
Benefit to students: a cohesive community nearby with very short commute. More ability to participate in after school activities and far less time on the school bus.
Benefit to school system: very big savings in transportation.

Oak Hill is right across from Skyview and is in all scenarios because Chantilly is overcrowded. While the community is happy with Chantilly, it is clear that Chantilly needs relief from overcrowding. Chantilly is only ten minutes from Oak Hill, but Chantilly is approaching 3000 students.
Benefit to students: less crowded school and extremely short commute--easy access to afterschool activities
Benefit to school system: relief to Chantilly overcrowding. Fewer temporary classrooms needed.

Because so many would necessarily leave Westfield, some backfill is needed.
Centreville is also overcrowded and this will give some relief to Centreville.
There are also neighborhoods equidistant to Westfield and Chantilly that could reasonable be sent to Westfield. Some are currently assigned to Cub Run Elementary school and this would eliminate a split feeder-especially if the students are also sent to Stone.

This seems to me to be the most reasonable solution.
Fox Mill is also close to Skyview and is currently assigned to South Lakes. If Fox Mill is pulled out of South Lakes that will require backfill from somewhere for South Lakes.

Option A presents the most common sense solution that benefits students and the school system in savings of transportation funds.

I think most of what you've said is accurate, but:

1. For Crossfield parents who've been in the Oakton pyramid, telling them a "cohesive community" is "nearby" doesn't really resonate because they don't think of Herndon areas to the west as part of their community.

2. Chantilly has had a very high enrollment and been overcrowded for over a decade, so doing something about that was not surprisingly one of the main justifications for buying KAA/opening Skyview. On the other hand, the enrollment at Chantilly has come down slightly over the past two years, and is projected to be under 105% starting next year if you include the modular, so some people there could have said there was no longer any urgency to moving kids out of the school.

3. Centreville is overcrowded but there continues to be a plan to expand the school substantially during its upcoming renovation. Even more so than Chantilly, its enrollment peaked years ago and has been coming down for years, so people there reasonably could ask to be left alone. If Centreville was just expanded to 2500 seats (not the whopping 3000 referenced in the CIP), there would be no basis to say kids need to be redistricted to address overcrowding at Centreville. Instead, it becomes purely a question of backfilling Westfield, which stands to lose the most kids when Skyview opens.

All of these things should have been vetted in public before FCPS bought KAA; they were not. Because they weren't, even though it may be in the greater good to have a new school that serves the Floris/Oak Hill area and nearby parts of the county, some people are always going to think that FCPS acted rashly and/or disregarded their interests. I've heard all the arguments about how "time was of the essence" in deciding to purchase KAA last year, but the communications on the topic from FCPS have consistently ranged from mediocre to bad.

[Anonymous]

It's unrealistic to expect all high schools to be at similar utilization levels. I think Oakton and Chantilly will be at capacity, while Westfield and South Lakes will be somewhat underutilized.

Under Scenario 2, Westfield would be at 82% and South Lakes at 83%. That's probably where we ended up.

It's just human nature to want to send your children to schools with better reputations.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I suspect a lot of Fox Mill parents have signed the rooted petition in the hopes of being sent to Skyview.

Once more: If Meren really wants to continue to support South Lakes, she needs to lobby to get rid of IB. That is what her constituents want. Most of them.

100% someone did an analysis of zip codes and there were a lot of people who live in Fox Mill and Navy zip codes -- far more than people who live in 20171.

[Anonymous]

For Crossfield parents who've been in the Oakton pyramid, telling them a "cohesive community" is "nearby" doesn't really resonate because they don't think of Herndon areas to the west as part of their community.

The bulk of Crossfield families live in Franklin Farm. Guess where they shop for groceries? Franklin Farm. You know the shopping center on Franklin Farm Rd. and 286. Sure, we all shop in other areas, too--but, the closest and most convenient is Franklin Farm. I seriously doubt they are spending much time in Oakton.

Where do most of them play sports? Chantilly Youth Association.
My kids did CYA--you cannot pretend that most Crossfield kids are playing elsewhere.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I suspect a lot of Fox Mill parents have signed the rooted petition in the hopes of being sent to Skyview.

Once more: If Meren really wants to continue to support South Lakes, she needs to lobby to get rid of IB. That is what her constituents want. Most of them.

100% someone did an analysis of zip codes and there were a lot of people who live in Fox Mill and Navy zip codes -- far more than people who live in 20171.

99% of Fox Mill boundary is in 20271.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

For Crossfield parents who've been in the Oakton pyramid, telling them a "cohesive community" is "nearby" doesn't really resonate because they don't think of Herndon areas to the west as part of their community.

The bulk of Crossfield families live in Franklin Farm. Guess where they shop for groceries? Franklin Farm. You know the shopping center on Franklin Farm Rd. and 286. Sure, we all shop in other areas, too--but, the closest and most convenient is Franklin Farm. I seriously doubt they are spending much time in Oakton.

Where do most of them play sports? Chantilly Youth Association.
My kids did CYA--you cannot pretend that most Crossfield kids are playing elsewhere.

Navy kids also do CYA. Makes sense to move to Chantilly. It is closer and my kids always made new friends at Franklin and then got separated for high school. I hope they don't listen to all the first grader moms who have this misconception of Oakton, thinking it is superior and some kind of flex.

[Anonymous]

For Crossfield parents who've been in the Oakton pyramid, telling them a "cohesive community" is "nearby" doesn't really resonate because they don't think of Herndon areas to the west as part of their community.

Sad they don't consider themselves part of the community in which they live. I find that rather odd.

[Anonymous]

I think the RIO people think Oakton is a huge booster to their property values.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

For Crossfield parents who've been in the Oakton pyramid, telling them a "cohesive community" is "nearby" doesn't really resonate because they don't think of Herndon areas to the west as part of their community.

Sad they don't consider themselves part of the community in which they live. I find that rather odd.

Lees Corner is at Fairfax 22033, Chantilly HS is in Chantilly, 20151. Are you saying Lees Corner should not go to Chantilly HS because Lees Corner is in a different city and in a different zip code than Chantilly HS? What is your point?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why doesn't Crossfield want to move? It's not just 1 thing! In no particular order
1) No sports or activities ie no culture or typical high school experience
2) 50%+ from districts with "problem kids" makes learning more difficult and a more stressful / potentially unsafe bullying environment
3) Our kids have been in a construction zone through elementary school and don't want to have to do it through high school too.
4) Our kids don't know the Coates, McNair,Floris crowd. They know Waples Mill and Navy
5) We've been paying the price to be in the Oakton district and this could affect our home value
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49Ctm9ZYNz4

SO. MUCH. BULLSHIT. I am a Crossfield parent and let offer some counter points

1. This is for one year. Suck it up like everyone else. It will be a great experience for kids 7th and up to build a culture. But you don't care about younger kids.
2. Your kids are already at Carson with these kids and you have NEVER complained about it. Your kids who take Honors and regular classes are in school with these kids and you have NEVER complained about it.
3. You literally just forced a move to Franklin where current 2nd - 4th graders WHO LIVED THROUGH CROSSFIELD CONSTRUCTION WILL HAVE TO LIVE THROUGH CONSTRUCTION AT FRANKLIN. But you don't care about younger kids.
4. Our kids ABSOLUTELY know the Coates, McNair, and Floris crowd because that's who they are in middle school with. Not to mention Floris kids play sports in CYA. I will tell you the number of Waples Mill and Navy kids that have been on my kids soccer and basketball teams - BIG FAT ZERO.
5. YOUR PROPERTY VALUE DOES NOT MATTER. I'm not worried and you shouldn't be either.

1. Not just one year. It takes YEARS to build up successful programs, clubs and a well run school. If you have a younger elementary kid, sure it might be working fine by then, but if you're a rising 9th grader? Maybe by the time you graduate it will be smooth sailing?
2. Why do you think no one has complained? Maybe you aren't talking to the right cohort of people? There's been plenty of discussion over Carson shenanigans, fights etc. Various whatsapp groups discuss this stuff, plus we all saw the fight videos that came out over there.
3. You don't care about mine, so why should I care about yours?
4. Well hey look at that, the further kids are from Carson, they less they have have in common? Why should that be a surprise? The geographic area this new HS could be pulling from is enormous.
5. I'm very much worried about my property value, then again I don't live in Franklin Farm. I've looked for comps based on my home value and you get way more house in south lakes or chantilly than what you get where I live, because "good schools" are in demand.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think the RIO people think Oakton is a huge booster to their property values.

Check out comps. To make it easy, go to zillow and put in your home value, then pick a differnt zipcode and navigate. Its a couple hundred grand.

Location!Location!Location! to be sure, but its schools too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

For Crossfield parents who've been in the Oakton pyramid, telling them a "cohesive community" is "nearby" doesn't really resonate because they don't think of Herndon areas to the west as part of their community.

Sad they don't consider themselves part of the community in which they live. I find that rather odd.

Lees Corner is at Fairfax 22033, Chantilly HS is in Chantilly, 20151. Are you saying Lees Corner should not go to Chantilly HS because Lees Corner is in a different city and in a different zip code than Chantilly HS? What is your point?

Heavens no! Do you restrict yourself by zipcode?

I said nothing about zip code. PP made it clear that she was quite restrictive in what she considers her community. And, none of us live in cities. We live in Fairfax County

I've no idea what she considers her community--but it is clearly does not include where she lives. She made that clear. Rather exclusive.

However, when your child is in high school, one would hope that they develop friendships with more kids than they went to elementary or middle school. When those other kids live milies and miles away, it becomes more difficult to get together. As freshmen and sophomores they are dependent on parental transportation. That is why it is so good to go to school with other students who live nearby.

Her statement that she did not consider people west of her to be part of her community is revealing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think the RIO people think Oakton is a huge booster to their property values.

Dp and recent buyer. It is a boost, which is why I don't live there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

For Crossfield parents who've been in the Oakton pyramid, telling them a "cohesive community" is "nearby" doesn't really resonate because they don't think of Herndon areas to the west as part of their community.

Sad they don't consider themselves part of the community in which they live. I find that rather odd.

Lees Corner is at Fairfax 22033, Chantilly HS is in Chantilly, 20151. Are you saying Lees Corner should not go to Chantilly HS because Lees Corner is in a different city and in a different zip code than Chantilly HS? What is your point?

Heavens no! Do you restrict yourself by zipcode?

I said nothing about zip code. PP made it clear that she was quite restrictive in what she considers her community. And, none of us live in cities. We live in Fairfax County

I've no idea what she considers her community--but it is clearly does not include where she lives. She made that clear. Rather exclusive.

However, when your child is in high school, one would hope that they develop friendships with more kids than they went to elementary or middle school. When those other kids live milies and miles away, it becomes more difficult to get together. As freshmen and sophomores they are dependent on parental transportation. That is why it is so good to go to school with other students who live nearby.

Her statement that she did not consider people west of her to be part of her community is revealing.

Good point! We do not restrict community based on Zipcode.

We can live in different zipcode but in same community. Or we live in the same zipcode but in different community.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why doesn't Crossfield want to move? It's not just 1 thing! In no particular order
1) No sports or activities ie no culture or typical high school experience
2) 50%+ from districts with "problem kids" makes learning more difficult and a more stressful / potentially unsafe bullying environment
3) Our kids have been in a construction zone through elementary school and don't want to have to do it through high school too.
4) Our kids don't know the Coates, McNair,Floris crowd. They know Waples Mill and Navy
5) We've been paying the price to be in the Oakton district and this could affect our home value
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49Ctm9ZYNz4

SO. MUCH. BULLSHIT. I am a Crossfield parent and let offer some counter points

1. This is for one year. Suck it up like everyone else. It will be a great experience for kids 7th and up to build a culture. But you don't care about younger kids.
2. Your kids are already at Carson with these kids and you have NEVER complained about it. Your kids who take Honors and regular classes are in school with these kids and you have NEVER complained about it.
3. You literally just forced a move to Franklin where current 2nd - 4th graders WHO LIVED THROUGH CROSSFIELD CONSTRUCTION WILL HAVE TO LIVE THROUGH CONSTRUCTION AT FRANKLIN. But you don't care about younger kids.
4. Our kids ABSOLUTELY know the Coates, McNair, and Floris crowd because that's who they are in middle school with. Not to mention Floris kids play sports in CYA. I will tell you the number of Waples Mill and Navy kids that have been on my kids soccer and basketball teams - BIG FAT ZERO.
5. YOUR PROPERTY VALUE DOES NOT MATTER. I'm not worried and you shouldn't be either.

1. Not just one year. It takes YEARS to build up successful programs, clubs and a well run school. If you have a younger elementary kid, sure it might be working fine by then, but if you're a rising 9th grader? Maybe by the time you graduate it will be smooth sailing?
2. Why do you think no one has complained? Maybe you aren't talking to the right cohort of people? There's been plenty of discussion over Carson shenanigans, fights etc. Various whatsapp groups discuss this stuff, plus we all saw the fight videos that came out over there.
3. You don't care about mine, so why should I care about yours?
4. Well hey look at that, the further kids are from Carson, they less they have have in common? Why should that be a surprise? The geographic area this new HS could be pulling from is enormous.
5. I'm very much worried about my property value, then again I don't live in Franklin Farm. I've looked for comps based on my home value and you get way more house in south lakes or chantilly than what you get where I live, because "good schools" are in demand.

DP. You do realize home values are not only tied to schools, right? If you live further east and south (i.e. a little closer to Arlington and DC), your land is worth more than that of someone who lives further west and north. You are probably overestimating the extent to which the schools are contributing to your home's worth. I did a quick Redfin search. A home in Annandale zoned to low rated schools recently sold for $410 per sq ft. Meanwhile a couple of Oakton-zoned homes in 20171 sold for around $300 per sq ft. Being worried about a move to Chantilly is especially stupid in terms of property value. The data don't support your fear. Maybe you need to consider that you aren't being rational about any of this and you and your neighbors are just getting each other spun up for no reason.