February 19, 2014. Laura Tekrony The Goal: Why we are here tonight Keep Aldie Elementary open to...
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February 19, 2014. Laura Tekrony The Goal: Why we are here tonight Keep Aldie Elementary open to preserve our community, village and history. Aldie has
The Goal: Why we are here tonight Keep Aldie Elementary open to
preserve our community, village and history. Aldie has been at risk
of closure for 2 decades. Continued residential growth in Aldie and
future plans for new Elementary schools puts the school at risk of
closure.
Slide 4
History of Aldie Elementary First school in Aldie was
established in 1858. Current school was built in 1928 and was
renovated in 1950 and 1963. Facility has evolved over the years to
meet the changing needs of the community.
Slide 5
Objectives of Expansion: Fill the need for half a school in the
Dulles South area Offload adjacent schools that will be
overcapacity (Arcola and Buffalo Trail) Provide a home school for
smaller developments in the Transition Policy Area Save the county
money by expanding an existing paid for asset Leverage a community
school that is strategically located in the heart of the village
Preserve the Village of Aldie and heritage
Slide 6
First Task / Objective
Slide 7
What the SAVE ALDIE ELEMENTARY CAMPAIGN has done so far Options
analysis (Charter or Expansion) Draft plat for expansion Scope of
work with specs for new wing Conceptual renderings of new wing
Projected capital cost of wing
Slide 8
Why Not Charter? Charter Schools have restrictions Under
current state law, one-half of all charter schools within a
district are required to serve at-risk students a requirement that
could be an obstacle to the effort to convert two western schools
to charter (Middleburg and Hillsboro). Adding Aldie Elementary
would not be feasible. Enrollment is open to any child within the
school division through a lottery process on a space-available
basis. Students currently enrolled in Aldie Elementary would not be
guaranteed a spot in a charter. Proximity to Middleburg would make
it challenging to fill two charter schools.
Slide 9
Why Choose Expansion? Aldie Elementary is in a different
cluster (John Champe High School) than other small schools in
western Loudoun. John Champe cluster is located in the suburban
east and has residential growth.
Slide 10
Our S.W.O.T. Analysis Strengths Aldie Elementary is a high
performing school. Offers a quality education. A long list of
Awards Committed PTA, parents, teachers and principal Strong
community support for the school Weaknesses Shortage of parent
volunteers Lack of dedicated funding for initiatives outside of
PTA
Slide 11
S.W.O.T. Analysis continued Opportunities Residential growth
both within and adjacent to Aldie Elementarys boundary Enrollment
projections show Buffalo Trail and Arcola Elementary overcapacity
in 2019/2020 Aldie School has an interesting and evolving history
and community is willing to protect this history New Superintendent
in July
Slide 12
S.W.O.T. Analysis continued Threats Closure continually
recommended during operating budget review by LCPS administration
and school board Turnover of school board with different agendas.
Majority believe small schools are inefficient. Policy of cookie
cutter school design New Superintendent in July
Slide 13
Timeline & History of Threats 2008Combination classes in 4
schools designated by the school board as under-enrolled (Aldie,
Middleburg, Hillsboro and Lincoln). Aldie was scheduled to have
combination classes in grades 1-3 in the 2008-2009 school year. Dr.
Hatrick warns that next years budget will be worse and closure of
Aldie or Middleburg may be considered. 2009Aldie, Middleburg,
Hillsboro and Lincoln proposed for closure in the 10% and 15%
operating budget cuts (Tier 2 and 3 reductions).
Slide 14
Timeline & History of Threats continued 2010Small school
principals reduced to time at Middleburg, Aldie, Hillsboro and
Lincoln. School closure was not listed in Option 1 Reduction List
but threat was made during budget reconciliation in April. Small
schools given the opportunity to attract more students with Open
Enrollment Policy. Aldie Elementary reaches out to Lenah Run
parents with an Open House.
Slide 15
Timeline and History of Threats continued 2011Plat of potential
expansion is donated by a parent. Aldie Elementary meets with
School Board members and LCPS Director of Construction to discuss
long-term strategy. 2012New School Board. Aldie Elementary meets
with three school board members and Blue Ridge Board of Supervisor
to discuss expansion efforts. First Aldie Town Hall in October to
begin discussing expansion with the community.
Slide 16
Timeline and History of Threats continued 2013Charter or bust
warnings from school board. Applies to all western Loudoun County.
Bill Fox said, The only way to remove closure threat permanently is
for community to take responsibility for the school. Concepts for
the wing are donated by a parent. Peach Orchard and Braddock Road
east attendance zones are moved to Buffalo Trail Elementary during
boundary change for Cardinal Ridge Elementary.
Slide 17
Timeline and History of Threats continued 2014Small schools
were singled out in a Community Budget Priorities Survey generated
by LCPS administration and the Chairman of the school board.
Keeping the small community schools open was ranked last in the
priority list by the 10,000 respondents. Middleburg Elementary
submitted a charter school application and decision will be made by
School Board February 25 th. Aldie Elementary begins Expand and
Save Campaign to move forward on long-term strategy.
Slide 18
Rich Sutphin
Slide 19
Conceptual Vision Create a wing completely separate from the
main building with two additional classrooms per grade (12 rooms
total), new library, combined art and music room, special education
classroom and health clinic. Two story building design with an
elevator. Unique design possible because the school is located in
the historic overlay district. Construct a walkway from the wing to
the main building between the cafeteria and the library. The main
building would accommodate one classroom per grade, cafeteria,
gymnasium, computer classroom and offices.
Slide 20
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Slide 23
Site Improvements Parking lot 60 parking spaces with drive
aisles Parent drop-off and pick-up loop Bus loop Loop for 7.5 buses
Regrading of fields below existing parking lot and basketball court
to allow for more parking. Existing basketball court may need to be
removed. Potential road improvements to Meetinghouse Lane
Slide 24
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How YOU can help NOW Make a donation to the cause to cover
materials and expenses associated with this campaign. Attend School
Board Meeting on March 11 Wear Aldie branded items Sit together
with us Volunteer to speak we can help you with Talking Points LIKE
us on FACEBOOK Our Facebook page and others as specified on the
handout Sign & Mail the Letter we have provided for you and add
your own comments at the bottom Remember to also Email your
comments Volunteer for a Specific Task