Note: The above is an option. As far as I know, it’s not a decision (nothing is as of yet). But … this is the type of thing that is decided if you’re not involved in the conversation.
The worst thing about the Western Albemarle Feeder pattern redistricting conversations is seeing families pitted against each other. We all love our schools, we love our kids, we like our property values. Let’s focus on what’s best for all of the kids.
Are you going to the redistricting public hearing tomorrow night?
You are invited to preview the Public Meeting Presentation in advance of the meeting on December 11. At the meeting, staff will review the redistricting proposals and community members will have the opportunity to offer input to the Redistricting Advisory Committee. We encourage you to attend the meeting at 6:30 p.m. at Meriwether Lewis Elementary School. Following the public meeting on Tuesday, December 11, please return to this web page for an opportunity to participate in an online redistricting survey.
This is the presentation from the meeting on 27 November, 2012
– Current class enrollments in Western feeder pattern elementaries and Red Hill (12/9/12)
– The Western Albemarle Redistricting facebook page has been quite active. As much as I hate Facebook, this has been an interesting and useful page for connecting and learning (and listening).
I put some thoughts on RealCentralVA (specifically a real estate blog) about this topic –
– Adequate Public Facilities legislation. Virginia is a Dillon Rule state, so the localities can’t do anything without the General Assembly’s blessing. Learn who your legislators are. Find out who funds them. Get organized. Understand that getting such legislation is likely going to take longer to enact than your kids are going to be in elementary (and probably middle, maybe high) school.
– Proffers . Each new family costs money. Each student (new or old) costs money. I’m somewhat making this number up, but if a student costs $10k to educate at a public school (really, why no vouchers to allow choice?), and the home brings in between $1500 per year for a $200k home to $4500 for a $600k home … these homes are not paying for themselves. The bulk of school funding comes from property taxes.
– Special Tax District. I know other areas of the country have school taxes (and fire taxes, etc) – would you consider paying a school tax if you could be assured that the money would be spent wisely and only for schools (not increased bureaucracy or unnecessary administrators)?
– Limit population : Now that you’re here, would you want a cap on how many people are permitted to live in Albemarle County? (see: ASAP)
Press release after the break.
Continue reading “Western Albemarle Redistricting Public Hearing – 11 December 2012”