- Stafford County Public Schools
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Why are school boundary changes being considered?
A1. Projections through the mid-term suggest that there will be crowding at some elementary and middle schools, while others will have open seats. Boundary changes provide an opportunity to alleviate crowding by balancing enrollment between or among nearby schools.Q2. What is the timeline for the redistricting process?
A2. The timeline for the redistricting process can be found on the Engagement Calendar link.Q3. Will I have a chance to express my thoughts about the redistricting scenarios(s) to the School Board?
A3. Yes, on March 8, 2022, there is a School Board Information & Public Hearing where you may provide the School Board with feedback regarding the redistricting plan(s). The meeting will be held in the School Board chambers (31 Stafford Avenue, Stafford, VA 22554).Q4. When will I know my student’s school assignment?
A4. The School Board Action is currently slated for the March 22, 2022, School Board meeting.Q5. When will new boundaries become effective?
A5. New boundaries would likely take effect in August 2022 for the 2022-2023 school year.Q6. Will rising 5th graders be permitted to remain at their current school? If so, will transportation be provided?
A6. Staff plans to recommend to the School Board that rising 5th grade students only, may choose to continue attending their current school. However, transportation will not be provided by Stafford County Public Schools.Q7. Will rising 8th graders be permitted to remain at their current school? If so, will transportation be provided?
A7. At this time, Staff plans to recommend to the School Board that rising 8th grade students only, may choose to continue attending their current school. However, transportation will not be provided by Stafford County Public Schools.Q8. Will my child be redistricted if they have a disability?
A8. In accordance with the Administrative Code of Virginia, IEP teams will determine placement for students with disabilities.Q9. Can I opt to send my child to a school other than the one to which they are assigned under the new boundaries?
A9. Attending a school other than your assigned school, aside from any potential grandfathering clause, requires a valid student transfer. Please consult the SCPS Student Transfer website for more info:
https://www.staffordschools.net/Domain/3428.Q10. How will transportation of students be affected by redistricting?
A10. Transportation will continue to be available for all students who live outside of walking zones.Q11. What criteria does the School Board use to evaluate the new boundaries?
A11. School Board Policy 1403 identifies a number of factors to consider in a particular consolidation or redistricting, including, but not limited to:- Proximity of schools to student residences,
- Forecasted school enrollment and capacity,
- Walking distances,
- Busing times and costs,
- Walking and busing safety,
- Natural and man-made geographic features,
- Impact on neighborhoods,
- School feeder patterns,
- Contiguous school attendance areas,
- Capital Improvement Plan,
- Enrollment Accommodation Plan,
- Socioeconomic characteristics of school populations,
- Distribution of programs and resources,
- Overall impact on families and students,
- Comparative long-term costs,
- Parental input, and
- Frequency of previous changes for affected neighborhoods.
Q12. We live closer to a particular school. Why doesn't my child attend the closest school to my residence?
A12. Every effort is made to create and/or maintain “neighborhood” school attendance areas by assigning students to the school that is closest to their home. However, that is not always possible as the school system attempts to relieve crowded schools by making effective use of existing space and avoiding underused buildings.Q13. How much consideration will be given to walking distances?
A13. Walking distance is one of many factors considered when evaluating boundary adjustment scenarios. Policy 1403 does not prescribe a priority or ranking for any factor. Due to the location and arrangement of existing elementary schools, not every student can attend the closest school. Consideration is given to avoid reassigning students who can walk to their current school to a school where they would become bus riders.Q14. How much would it cost to deploy relocatable classrooms at Park Ridge elementary school to alleviate crowding?
A14. Click here for the estimated lease / purchase costs for 8 relocatable classrooms at Park Ridge.