Wow. Just received this from our ANC rep in Burleith. This is huge.
Dear Neighbors,
I hope you all weathered the storm* ok.
As you may know, our “in-boundary” high school (Wilson) is popular and increasingly overcrowded. I learned this week that one of the options that DC Public Schools (DCPS) is considering is to move Hardy Middle School and to instead serve high school students at the current Hardy building at 35th & S.
I am the school/education liaison for our ANC Commission and the commissioner representing Hardy. So, I contacted DCPS and they explained that it is a very preliminary option being discussed by a newly formed working group -- and that much more input will be gathered by that group and from all communities and stakeholders before any decisions are made.
The group was picked by DCPS and met for the first time last week. DCPS said they would share the composition of the working group, but I know a few of them. Since I am not on the group (they said they need to keep it small), I will do my best to give you all the information I receive. I know Hardy is a big part of our neighborhood.
Last night, I spoke before the Hardy PTO (parent teacher org) meeting. We heard a presentation from a member of that DCPS working group (a hardy parent). I’ve also spoken with two others at that meeting, including a Hyde-Addison parent who lives in the neighborhood.
I’ve heard that this proposal (move-Hardy) was favorably received by a healthy portion of members of the working group. More Detail - under that scenario, Hardy would move to an about-to-be purchased property at MacArthur & Q (formerly the Georgetown Day School lower campus). I don’t yet have any details about what proposals are being discussed for the potential high school that would theoretically open at the current Hardy site, but I heard there were questions about playing field space. I also don't know about the possible timeline, but am told it would likely take a few years. But I can/will ask.
The second option presented to address Wilson overcrowding was:
To open a high school at the old GDS site instead of at the current Hardy site.
But they are apparently open to other ideas too. They say they will be posting information soon and I will share it when I get it.
Your neighbor,
Kishan Putta
Commissioner, ANC 2E01
Burleith, Georgetown, Hillandale