Subject: Urgent Concerns Regarding Proposed Boundary Changes Affecting Poplar Heights Neighborhood
Dear Superintendent Dr. Reid and Members of the School Board,
We are writing to express our profound frustration and concern as residents of the Poplar Heights neighborhood in Falls Church regarding the proposed boundary changes that would alter our neighborhood’s school assignments. We strongly oppose this proposal due to its detrimental impact on our community and our children’s education and well-being.
For 40 years, our community has invested in and been assigned to the McLean pyramid schools. Families have made significant life decisions, including where to purchase homes, based on this long-standing assignment. The affected community does not support this shift, and parents feel that they were not consulted in any meaningful way. The entire process feels rushed and lacks transparency.
The proposed boundary suggestion defies common sense. Our neighborhood appears as an “attendance island” solely due to the borders of Falls Church City. However, McLean High School remains far more accessible and safer for our children, especially for new and inexperienced drivers. Moving students to Falls Church High School requires navigating multiple major highways (Routes 29 and 50), whereas the route to McLean is a straightforward trip across Route 7. These are serious safety risks that cannot be ignored.
This proposal also disrupts younger students in highly impactful ways. Children currently attending the Level IV program at Haycock Elementary, an established, high-performing center, are being reassigned to Mantua Elementary. Mantua is almost 6 miles from our neighborhood, while Haycock is just 2 miles. This is an unfair burden to place on elementary-aged children who already have specialized academic needs. The increased commute and disruption to continuity are not just inconvenient; they are harmful to their development and daily well-being.
Even more troubling, the proposal would push Falls Church High School 200 students over its intended capacity. Not only would students be shifted to a school that many consider lower-performing, but they would knowingly be placed into an overcrowded learning environment. This is unacceptable. We believe we are the victims of poor capacity planning for McLean High School, which has been at high capacity for years but has not been placed on the building expansion list.
If the FCPS Board insists on moving our neighborhood out of McLean, then Marshall High School is a far more appropriate alternative. It is geographically closer to our homes than Falls Church High School and avoids the major commuting and safety issues associated with the current proposal. Marshall also provides a stronger academic environment and would create less disruption for students and families.
We seek solutions that uplift all schools without displacing families or lowering standards for our children. This proposal does not reflect thoughtful planning; it looks like a careless shuffle of numbers with no regard for the real-life impact on families and students. Restoring Poplar Heights to McLean High School would help alleviate the overcapacity issue at Falls Church High and keep our children in a school that aligns with their current academic trajectory.
Thank you for your time and consideration of our urgent concerns. We look forward to a meaningful discussion and a resolution that prioritizes the safety, well-being, and academic success of all students.
Sincerely,
Concerned Residents of Poplar Heights / Donna Lee Gardens Neighborhood