It's not a group as much as an info list serv (which would keep you from having to ask such basic questions on DCUM).

Where else are you looking for a house? JKLM zone?

I'm just looking at houses in the neighborhood, so I really can't commit to joining any neighobrhood school groups yet. Real estate process far too uncertain! Thanks!

Anonymous wrote:

And the lack of input from the community-- geez, what is that about? They really should be having public hearings or providing an opportunity to send in written comments, or something. There just doesn't seem to be any clear procedure for this redistricting. If there were, maybe the city could get clarity from CSX on the timeline and process of the massive construction project.

I hear you, OP. Nobody disagrees.

Are you involved with the rising Brent parents gearing up to provide input? They've put together a list serv, get on at futurebrent@yahoo.com. They're working on an on-line survey on redistricting issues for IB families, which you can complete in the fall.

For now, Tyler only works for middle-class families who want Spanish (immersion), at least after around PreK4. We speak a different foreign language with our kids and would much rather land at Van Ness.

Information on the CSX project is available here...

http://www.virginiaavenuetunnel.com/

There are still 4 alternatives on the table, and a series of public engagement processes which will affect timing. My general understanding of the CSX project is that construction won't start for at least another year and will last for 3 to 5 years. However, CSX is promising to maintain pedestrian and vehicle access under all plans.

OP here-- I don't doubt that Van Ness could be a very good school. I'm just concerned about my child and I walking to the school in the midst of the massive CSX project that would be between our home and Van Ness. If Brent were forced off the table, I would much rather be districted into Tyler rather than a spiffy "new" Van Ness.

Sigh. I think I just don't have the stomach for this uncertainty . . .

And the lack of input from the community-- geez, what is that about? They really should be having public hearings or providing an opportunity to send in written comments, or something. There just doesn't seem to be any clear procedure for this redistricting. If there were, maybe the city could get clarity from CSX on the timeline and process of the massive construction project.

OP - little is known about the DCPS boundary review or revision process. Although DCPS has committed to finalizing boundary revisions city-wide for SY 2014-2015, the increasingly assertive DC City Council on Education has challenged, trying to push the date forward to SY 2015-2016 (at the earliest).

The likelihood that the revision process will be finalized within two years seems small, but I wouldn't rule it out. All that is known locally is that Van Ness will re-open in fall 2015 it for PreS3, PreK4, K and maybe 1st grade. I'd wager that Van Ness will come on strong - those Capitol Quarter townhouses aren't cheap and DCPS has allocated at least 9M to renovate the school in several phases. So you're very likely to be in good shape on the IB ES front regardless...

I don't think the Brent premium is a myth, but I don't think sellers are going to negotiate down based on the possibility of a boundary change. There will always be buyers for those houses who are willing to pay top dollar.

Anonymous wrote:Current boundaries can be looked up using the tool on the DCPS website. Other than that, it's a political process, not something you'll be able to get reliable "up to date" information on. A safe bet is that if your child starts this fall as well as next, you wouldn't be affected by any changes. If your school enrollment lies farther out, you'd just need to account for the uncertainty in negotiating a price. That said, the trend is the farther in the distance your school enrollment is the better the schools get, newly opened Van Ness included.

Yeah -- try that one in this real estate market and watch the seller ignore your offer. The "Brent premium" is a myth

Ok thanks-- it would be a couple years down the road . . .

Current boundaries can be looked up using the tool on the DCPS website. Other than that, it's a political process, not something you'll be able to get reliable "up to date" information on. A safe bet is that if your child starts this fall as well as next, you wouldn't be affected by any changes. If your school enrollment lies farther out, you'd just need to account for the uncertainty in negotiating a price. That said, the trend is the farther in the distance your school enrollment is the better the schools get, newly opened Van Ness included.

I'm thinking of buying a home that is currently in the Brent boundry, but with Van Ness reopening, I am worried that the address may feed instead to Van Ness. Whom should I contact for up to date info on Brent boundry? Wells?


thanks!