FYI -

The number of Arlington County school children continues to increase
and Arlington Public Schools is looking at a variety of
ways<http://www.apsva.us/cms/lib2/VA01000586/Centricity/Domain/110/MoreSeats_2011Nov29.pdf>
to meet this growing need, including expanding its footprint on school
property, and on County property for potential joint-use facilities.
Either approach could affect open space.

The County Board and School Boards have pledged to work
collaboratively to develop solutions for the School's crowded
conditions. The two boards worked together earlier this year to
establish criteria to be used when considering school crowding
solutions. On November 2011, the two Boards signed a Memorandum of
Understanding that will guide these decisions. These agreed upon
criteria<http://www.arlingtonva.us/departments/CountyBoard/page84135.aspx#facilities>
provides for "....evaluation of the potential use of County facilities
to address the enrollment growth and capacity challenges Schools
currently face, particularly where such a solution would provide
mutual benefits to Schools and the broader County population." The
County's intent is to facilitate such evaluation while respecting its
goals for, among other things, open/green space and environment, and
provide continued services and community uses of County facilities and
land.

APS is seeking community input<http://www.apsva.us/capacity> in its
planning process to address the school overcrowding issue. You can
attend the following public meetings below and sign
up<https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/6MNLYS8> to get regular updates of
future APS meetings.

School Board Work Session on Capacity
Wed, Feb. 8, 8-9:30 PM, Washington-Lee Little Theater (1301 N Stafford St.)
At this Arlington School Board work session, the Board will be
discussing the rankings of 60 possible options for additions and/or
new schools to increase capacity. Members of the public are welcome
to attend and observe the proceedings. The Board does not hear public
comment at work sessions.

A Community Update on Capacity
Wed, Feb 15, 7-8:30 PM. Kenmore Auditorium (200 S. Carlin Springs Rd.)
This forum will include an update by staff that includes the results
of the School Board's discussions on capacity at their Feb. 8 work
session. The program will also provide an outline of the next steps
in the process and include a Q & A session.