Anonymous
01/10/2026 16:40
Subject: Boundary Review Meetings
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:After watching the meeting on YouTube, there is a familiar dynamic at work.
White, seemingly-UMC women zoned to Herndon stood up to advocate for more boundary changes based on equity. They were the women who stood up and clamored that the school board didn’t go big enough. Meanwhile, a POC mom from the area stood up to argue that they shouldn’t move Coates kids to Herndon Elementary, even though the school has capacity.
It’s just a really stark reminder that the people pushing for the larger boundary moves are often at odds with POC in those very communities.
As Marcia St. John Cunning mentioned the other night at the school board meeting, her area told her that they don’t want people at their school if they don’t want to be there.
There is a fundamental disconnect between the UMC whites in these areas, and the people who they claim to be trying to “help” with larger boundary changes.
Speaking directly about Marcia St John Cunning and Lewis - many Lewis pyramid parents spoke during the meeting about feeling the inequity at Lewis. One parent mentioned that fewer students at the school means less opportunities and named specific examples about classes and clubs being cancelled as a direct result of low enrollment. Something that changing boundaries to add more students to the school could directly resolve.
And I don’t see how being a POC matters for that statement, but yes we are a POC family and I fully agree with the Lewis parents
I’m a WSHS parent and here is where the board went sideways with the Lewis/WSHS thing. They didn’t allow for grandfathering from the get go and STILL aren’t promising transportation. I have a current freshman and a 6th grader. I am EXTREMELY opposed to moving kids in the middle of high school to a new high school. Particularly one which won’t offer the same AP courses when my kid would not be able to start IB in the middle of their high school. So I fought and fought the process.
Now, if my 6th grader who hasn’t started middle school with the crew she would go to high school with were to switch pyramids next year and start 7th at Key/Lewis, that is fine with me. Or even if they move kids when they start high school, again, I wouldn’t have fought so much.
Dr. Anderson stood up for this at the 8130 board meeting and she was dead on.
But they didn’t do this. At all.
Anonymous
01/10/2026 16:31
Subject: Boundary Review Meetings
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:After watching the meeting on YouTube, there is a familiar dynamic at work.
White, seemingly-UMC women zoned to Herndon stood up to advocate for more boundary changes based on equity. They were the women who stood up and clamored that the school board didn’t go big enough. Meanwhile, a POC mom from the area stood up to argue that they shouldn’t move Coates kids to Herndon Elementary, even though the school has capacity.
It’s just a really stark reminder that the people pushing for the larger boundary moves are often at odds with POC in those very communities.
As Marcia St. John Cunning mentioned the other night at the school board meeting, her area told her that they don’t want people at their school if they don’t want to be there.
There is a fundamental disconnect between the UMC whites in these areas, and the people who they claim to be trying to “help” with larger boundary changes.
Speaking directly about Marcia St John Cunning and Lewis - many Lewis pyramid parents spoke during the meeting about feeling the inequity at Lewis. One parent mentioned that fewer students at the school means less opportunities and named specific examples about classes and clubs being cancelled as a direct result of low enrollment. Something that changing boundaries to add more students to the school could directly resolve.
And I don’t see how being a POC matters for that statement, but yes we are a POC family and I fully agree with the Lewis parents
Questions: Did any address IB? If they really want more kids, would that not be a place to start? Well over 200 kids transferring out--and that excludes the ones going to TJ.
Anonymous
01/10/2026 16:13
Subject: Boundary Review Meetings
Anonymous wrote:What will be the percentage breakdown of Thoreau Middle School between Madison, Marshall, and Oakton if changes approved? I'm concerned for the Wolftrap children that may be exposed to new students/friends for two years and then will lose them when they go to either Oakton or Marshall - oh what will these children / families do?
The proposed changes decrease the percentage of Madison-bound students left at Kilmer, and increase the percentage of Madison-bound students at Thoreau.
The Wolftrap and Westbriar families were falling all over each other praising Reid for allowing them to attend or stay at Madison. No one mentioned that these moves were driven by a desire to reduce overcrowding at Kilmer and that FCPS just admitted yesterday it had been substantially understating Kilmer’s capacity for purposes of the boundary review. It doesn’t really serve their agenda.
Anonymous
01/10/2026 16:07
Subject: Boundary Review Meetings
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:What were the main pieces of feedback from public meeting today?
Beech Tree probably had the most speakers, since their change was slipped in during the eleventh hour. Dr Anderson mentioned at the January 8 meeting that the community was upset about the changes being made without ANY community engagement. There will surely be an amendment to postpone those recommendations.
Next would be Vienna celebrating Vienna changes.
Tied would be Briarwood (?) wanting to get moved to Marshall Rd/Oakton and the Jefferson Davis neighborhood that thought they were all getting moved to Graham Road.
Herndon ES also pushed back against taking so many Coates students. Even Reid admitted at the school board meeting that their renovation/expansion isn’t complete which will cause growing pains.
Surprise was that one street in Crossfield that goes to Franklin/Chanitlly. Several people spoke about both wanting to move to Lees Corner.
Did anyone speak about the Marshall island they are creating with the move to have all Wolftrap students zoned to Thoreau and Madison?
No. Tons of Wolftrap folks praising Reid for moving them to Madison and lots of Westbriar people zoned to Kilmer/Madison saying split feeders are no big deal and thanking Reid for undoing the changes that would have moved them to Marshall, but no one from the Westbriar island.
There was one Wolftrap parent zoned to Marshall who spoke about keeping the current Wolftrap boundaries but he was drowned out by the others.
I would have joined the person speaking about keeping the Wolftrap portion zoned to Marshall the same but figured I would be drowned out by all the Woltrap families happy that they will generally have a UMC school and won't have to interact with the diversity of Marshall.
It was ironic to hear them talk about how terrible the commute to Marshall would have been for them when they are leaving the Westbriar island families with a longer commute to GCM. And the Town of Vienna mayor made me want to vomit.
But I’m still glad the one guy spoke up because otherwise it was just so obvious people were kissing Reid’s ass for moving them to a wealthier school.
I'm assuming these parents won't let their children drive in the Tysons area or any area with high traffic.
Of course not. Their entire lives revolve around Vienna and their children are only allowed to participate in activities in Vienna or with Vienna in the title, lest they jeopardize their claim that they deserve to attend Madison HS.
When their kids turn 21 they can visit Tysons, provided they’ve worked enough concession stands at Viva Vienna in their teens to get a personal letter of thanks from Linda Colbert and promise their parents they won’t set foot in Pimmit Hills.
Anonymous
01/10/2026 16:04
Subject: Boundary Review Meetings
Anonymous wrote:After watching the meeting on YouTube, there is a familiar dynamic at work.
White, seemingly-UMC women zoned to Herndon stood up to advocate for more boundary changes based on equity. They were the women who stood up and clamored that the school board didn’t go big enough. Meanwhile, a POC mom from the area stood up to argue that they shouldn’t move Coates kids to Herndon Elementary, even though the school has capacity.
It’s just a really stark reminder that the people pushing for the larger boundary moves are often at odds with POC in those very communities.
As Marcia St. John Cunning mentioned the other night at the school board meeting, her area told her that they don’t want people at their school if they don’t want to be there.
There is a fundamental disconnect between the UMC whites in these areas, and the people who they claim to be trying to “help” with larger boundary changes.
Speaking directly about Marcia St John Cunning and Lewis - many Lewis pyramid parents spoke during the meeting about feeling the inequity at Lewis. One parent mentioned that fewer students at the school means less opportunities and named specific examples about classes and clubs being cancelled as a direct result of low enrollment. Something that changing boundaries to add more students to the school could directly resolve.
And I don’t see how being a POC matters for that statement, but yes we are a POC family and I fully agree with the Lewis parents
Anonymous
01/10/2026 15:58
Subject: Boundary Review Meetings
What will be the percentage breakdown of Thoreau Middle School between Madison, Marshall, and Oakton if changes approved? I'm concerned for the Wolftrap children that may be exposed to new students/friends for two years and then will lose them when they go to either Oakton or Marshall - oh what will these children / families do?
Anonymous
01/10/2026 15:53
Subject: Boundary Review Meetings
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:What were the main pieces of feedback from public meeting today?
Beech Tree probably had the most speakers, since their change was slipped in during the eleventh hour. Dr Anderson mentioned at the January 8 meeting that the community was upset about the changes being made without ANY community engagement. There will surely be an amendment to postpone those recommendations.
Next would be Vienna celebrating Vienna changes.
Tied would be Briarwood (?) wanting to get moved to Marshall Rd/Oakton and the Jefferson Davis neighborhood that thought they were all getting moved to Graham Road.
Herndon ES also pushed back against taking so many Coates students. Even Reid admitted at the school board meeting that their renovation/expansion isn’t complete which will cause growing pains.
Surprise was that one street in Crossfield that goes to Franklin/Chanitlly. Several people spoke about both wanting to move to Lees Corner.
Did anyone speak about the Marshall island they are creating with the move to have all Wolftrap students zoned to Thoreau and Madison?
No. Tons of Wolftrap folks praising Reid for moving them to Madison and lots of Westbriar people zoned to Kilmer/Madison saying split feeders are no big deal and thanking Reid for undoing the changes that would have moved them to Marshall, but no one from the Westbriar island.
There was one Wolftrap parent zoned to Marshall who spoke about keeping the current Wolftrap boundaries but he was drowned out by the others.
I would have joined the person speaking about keeping the Wolftrap portion zoned to Marshall the same but figured I would be drowned out by all the Woltrap families happy that they will generally have a UMC school and won't have to interact with the diversity of Marshall.
It was ironic to hear them talk about how terrible the commute to Marshall would have been for them when they are leaving the Westbriar island families with a longer commute to GCM. And the Town of Vienna mayor made me want to vomit.
But I’m still glad the one guy spoke up because otherwise it was just so obvious people were kissing Reid’s ass for moving them to a wealthier school.
I'm assuming these parents won't let their children drive in the Tysons area or any area with high traffic.
Anonymous
01/10/2026 15:50
Subject: Boundary Review Meetings
I liked the speaker who addressed the West Springfield rep directly.and was like thanks for not touching my kids now don't touch anyone elses. She gave off a mama bear vibe, but for like her whole region.
Anonymous
01/10/2026 15:44
Subject: Boundary Review Meetings
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:What were the main pieces of feedback from public meeting today?
Beech Tree probably had the most speakers, since their change was slipped in during the eleventh hour. Dr Anderson mentioned at the January 8 meeting that the community was upset about the changes being made without ANY community engagement. There will surely be an amendment to postpone those recommendations.
Next would be Vienna celebrating Vienna changes.
Tied would be Briarwood (?) wanting to get moved to Marshall Rd/Oakton and the Jefferson Davis neighborhood that thought they were all getting moved to Graham Road.
Herndon ES also pushed back against taking so many Coates students. Even Reid admitted at the school board meeting that their renovation/expansion isn’t complete which will cause growing pains.
Surprise was that one street in Crossfield that goes to Franklin/Chanitlly. Several people spoke about both wanting to move to Lees Corner.
Did anyone speak about the Marshall island they are creating with the move to have all Wolftrap students zoned to Thoreau and Madison?
No. Tons of Wolftrap folks praising Reid for moving them to Madison and lots of Westbriar people zoned to Kilmer/Madison saying split feeders are no big deal and thanking Reid for undoing the changes that would have moved them to Marshall, but no one from the Westbriar island.
There was one Wolftrap parent zoned to Marshall who spoke about keeping the current Wolftrap boundaries but he was drowned out by the others.
I would have joined the person speaking about keeping the Wolftrap portion zoned to Marshall the same but figured I would be drowned out by all the Woltrap families happy that they will generally have a UMC school and won't have to interact with the diversity of Marshall.
It was ironic to hear them talk about how terrible the commute to Marshall would have been for them when they are leaving the Westbriar island families with a longer commute to GCM. And the Town of Vienna mayor made me want to vomit.
But I’m still glad the one guy spoke up because otherwise it was just so obvious people were kissing Reid’s ass for moving them to a wealthier school.
Anonymous
01/10/2026 15:40
Subject: Boundary Review Meetings
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:What were the main pieces of feedback from public meeting today?
Beech Tree probably had the most speakers, since their change was slipped in during the eleventh hour. Dr Anderson mentioned at the January 8 meeting that the community was upset about the changes being made without ANY community engagement. There will surely be an amendment to postpone those recommendations.
Next would be Vienna celebrating Vienna changes.
Tied would be Briarwood (?) wanting to get moved to Marshall Rd/Oakton and the Jefferson Davis neighborhood that thought they were all getting moved to Graham Road.
Herndon ES also pushed back against taking so many Coates students. Even Reid admitted at the school board meeting that their renovation/expansion isn’t complete which will cause growing pains.
Surprise was that one street in Crossfield that goes to Franklin/Chanitlly. Several people spoke about both wanting to move to Lees Corner.
It’s not “Jefferson Davis” but instead Jefferson Village and Greenway Downs. Right now that area splits to multiple elementary schools and an earlier proposal would have consolidated them at Graham Road, which would have seen its poverty rate go down substantially.
The problem was the earlier proposal was deeply flawed. It created a new Timber Lane attendance island with poor kids at Kingsley Commons required to cross Route 29 and travel further to get to Timber Lane and a new split feeder at Shrevewood that doesn’t exist now.
The Falls Church families lambasted Reid for abandoning this change, and some of them were quite rude. They lost any credibility by not acknowledging that the plan that would have sent them to a wealthier Graham Road created as many problems as it solved. I was sympathetic to them before but hearing them today that sympathy is gone.
Anonymous
01/10/2026 15:40
Subject: Boundary Review Meetings
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:What were the main pieces of feedback from public meeting today?
Beech Tree probably had the most speakers, since their change was slipped in during the eleventh hour. Dr Anderson mentioned at the January 8 meeting that the community was upset about the changes being made without ANY community engagement. There will surely be an amendment to postpone those recommendations.
Next would be Vienna celebrating Vienna changes.
Tied would be Briarwood (?) wanting to get moved to Marshall Rd/Oakton and the Jefferson Davis neighborhood that thought they were all getting moved to Graham Road.
Herndon ES also pushed back against taking so many Coates students. Even Reid admitted at the school board meeting that their renovation/expansion isn’t complete which will cause growing pains.
Surprise was that one street in Crossfield that goes to Franklin/Chanitlly. Several people spoke about both wanting to move to Lees Corner.
Did anyone speak about the Marshall island they are creating with the move to have all Wolftrap students zoned to Thoreau and Madison?
No. Tons of Wolftrap folks praising Reid for moving them to Madison and lots of Westbriar people zoned to Kilmer/Madison saying split feeders are no big deal and thanking Reid for undoing the changes that would have moved them to Marshall, but no one from the Westbriar island.
There was one Wolftrap parent zoned to Marshall who spoke about keeping the current Wolftrap boundaries but he was drowned out by the others.
I would have joined the person speaking about keeping the Wolftrap portion zoned to Marshall the same but figured I would be drowned out by all the Woltrap families happy that they will generally have a UMC school and won't have to interact with the diversity of Marshall.
Anonymous
01/10/2026 15:32
Subject: Boundary Review Meetings
After watching the meeting on YouTube, there is a familiar dynamic at work.
White, seemingly-UMC women zoned to Herndon stood up to advocate for more boundary changes based on equity. They were the women who stood up and clamored that the school board didn’t go big enough. Meanwhile, a POC mom from the area stood up to argue that they shouldn’t move Coates kids to Herndon Elementary, even though the school has capacity.
It’s just a really stark reminder that the people pushing for the larger boundary moves are often at odds with POC in those very communities.
As Marcia St. John Cunning mentioned the other night at the school board meeting, her area told her that they don’t want people at their school if they don’t want to be there.
There is a fundamental disconnect between the UMC whites in these areas, and the people who they claim to be trying to “help” with larger boundary changes.
White, seemingly-UMC women zoned to Herndon stood up to advocate for more boundary changes based on equity. They were the women who stood up and clamored that the school board didn’t go big enough. Meanwhile, a POC mom from the area stood up to argue that they shouldn’t move Coates kids to Herndon Elementary, even though the school has capacity.
It’s just a really stark reminder that the people pushing for the larger boundary moves are often at odds with POC in those very communities.
As Marcia St. John Cunning mentioned the other night at the school board meeting, her area told her that they don’t want people at their school if they don’t want to be there.
There is a fundamental disconnect between the UMC whites in these areas, and the people who they claim to be trying to “help” with larger boundary changes.
Anonymous
01/10/2026 15:28
Subject: Boundary Review Meetings
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:What were the main pieces of feedback from public meeting today?
Beech Tree probably had the most speakers, since their change was slipped in during the eleventh hour. Dr Anderson mentioned at the January 8 meeting that the community was upset about the changes being made without ANY community engagement. There will surely be an amendment to postpone those recommendations.
Next would be Vienna celebrating Vienna changes.
Tied would be Briarwood (?) wanting to get moved to Marshall Rd/Oakton and the Jefferson Davis neighborhood that thought they were all getting moved to Graham Road.
Herndon ES also pushed back against taking so many Coates students. Even Reid admitted at the school board meeting that their renovation/expansion isn’t complete which will cause growing pains.
Surprise was that one street in Crossfield that goes to Franklin/Chanitlly. Several people spoke about both wanting to move to Lees Corner.
Did anyone speak about the Marshall island they are creating with the move to have all Wolftrap students zoned to Thoreau and Madison?
No. Tons of Wolftrap folks praising Reid for moving them to Madison and lots of Westbriar people zoned to Kilmer/Madison saying split feeders are no big deal and thanking Reid for undoing the changes that would have moved them to Marshall, but no one from the Westbriar island.
There was one Wolftrap parent zoned to Marshall who spoke about keeping the current Wolftrap boundaries but he was drowned out by the others.
Anonymous
01/10/2026 15:18
Subject: Boundary Review Meetings
No. Those people must be happy where they are
Anonymous
01/10/2026 15:15
Subject: Boundary Review Meetings
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:What were the main pieces of feedback from public meeting today?
Beech Tree probably had the most speakers, since their change was slipped in during the eleventh hour. Dr Anderson mentioned at the January 8 meeting that the community was upset about the changes being made without ANY community engagement. There will surely be an amendment to postpone those recommendations.
Next would be Vienna celebrating Vienna changes.
Tied would be Briarwood (?) wanting to get moved to Marshall Rd/Oakton and the Jefferson Davis neighborhood that thought they were all getting moved to Graham Road.
Herndon ES also pushed back against taking so many Coates students. Even Reid admitted at the school board meeting that their renovation/expansion isn’t complete which will cause growing pains.
Surprise was that one street in Crossfield that goes to Franklin/Chanitlly. Several people spoke about both wanting to move to Lees Corner.
Did anyone speak about the Marshall island they are creating with the move to have all Wolftrap students zoned to Thoreau and Madison?