Exactly what the new school zones will look like for Williamsburg-James City County Schools is becoming more certain.
The committee overseeing redistricting didn’t recommend any updates to the School Board Tuesday night on attendance maps released in August for WJCC’s 16 campuses.
Superintendent Daniel Keever will consider the committee's recommendation and bring a proposal to the school board on Sept. 15. The board is scheduled to vote on adopting the maps about a month later.
WJCC Schools began discussing redistricting in earnest in 2024, prompted by its plans to open two new preschool centers and ease crowding at some campuses. Community groups raised concerns, however.
The Village Initiative, a group of residents and parents that advocates for school equity, questioned the increase of economically disadvantaged and students of color at Matthew Whaley and James River elementaries and Berkeley and James Blair middle schools. Members fear it could widen the achievement gaps for students of color and those with greater need for support.
WJCC leaders say they will support all students despite the changes, but they are balancing several principles. They want to streamline bus routes and keep students together as they progress from elementary to middle school and from middle to high school.
“The committee was not able to make additional boundary changes that would meaningfully address a guiding principle without compromising other guiding principles,” which is why it didn’t recommend any further changes from the August maps, according to Kara Wall, chief communications officer.
If approved, the redistricting plan will mean about 16% of students will change schools — not including students graduating to the middle or high school level. For several parents, that’s left a big question: How is it all going to work?
“Our goal is that every student, not simply those who physically move buildings, feels welcomed, connected, supported, and confident about the year ahead,” said Alaina Trott, chief strategy officer.
If the maps are approved, staff will spend this semester informing students and families about how they’ll be impacted and whether they’ll be among those who will move. Families will be contacted by their future principals with important dates and staff will hold listening tours to hear and address concerns.
During the spring semester, families will be introduced to their new schools and staff. Next summer, the division will solidify staffing, resource plans and hold more orientation activities for the new year. Wall said regular communication, meetings and surveys will continue after the start of the school year.
“Our goal is not simply that students successfully arrive at a new school,” Wall said. “Our goal is that over time, students, families and employees begin to experience that community as their school.”
WJCC is also launching a survey for students who will be seniors in 2027. That will inform possible options for staying at their current high school next year that Keever will present to the board later this month.
“Without knowing specifically the desire and or the transportation needs, I don’t feel like I can make the strongest recommendation,” he said.
A webpage detailing the transition plan is being developed and will be launched if the board approves the redistricting plan in October.
WJCC is a member of HRETA, which owns WHRO's broadcast license.
