LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Boundary change splits neighborhoods

Dear Editor,

I am writing in reference to the proposed elementary school rezoning for the new Winterpock Elementary School, which is scheduled to open in September. I reside in the Brandy Oaks subdivision, which currently feeds into both Spring Run and Grange Hall elementary schools.

Prior to Spring Run opening, our subdivision attended Grange Hall Elementary. During the rezoning process, we were assured that our neighborhood would not be subdivided, nor would any other neighborhoods. Hampton Park subdivision was not part of the original zoning for Spring Run. However, prior to Spring Run opening, the Brandy Oaks neighborhood was split, and Hampton Park was suddenly zoned into Spring Run. Hampton Park should have been forced to build [its] own school.

During a rezoning meeting at Spring Run in May 2006, numerous residents stood up and requested that if our children need to be moved, could neighborhoods not be split. The proposed rezoning map once again splits neighborhoods. When neighborhoods are split, our children are in different athletic associations, different cub scout and girl scout troops, etc. In our neighborhood, the two elementary schools are on different time schedules, with buses coming through up to 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. How are running all these buses through neighborhoods more cost effective than running one bus?

Brandy Oaks school buses will now pass a new elementary school to get to Grange Hall. Grange Hall is going to continue to gain new students if one looks at all the development currently going on in the Otterdale Road area. Does that mean Brandy Oaks will be shuffled around again?

The Winterpock Elementary attendance boundary recommendations posted on the Chesterfield County [Public] Schools' Web site states [the goal is] tracking students together throughout their school career to meet educational needs and for continuity. It doesn't seem as if the children in the Brandy Oaks subdivision can stay together throughout their school years so they can make lasting friendships.

Perhaps the time has come to elect new blood to the school board.

Jim Gallagher

Brandy Oaks

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