We, the residents of Lenah Mill in Loudoun County, respectfully urge the Loudoun County School Board to reconsider and reject any proposed attendance zone changes that would divide our community. The changes would split our community kids and reassign the students away from Willard Middle School and Lightridge High School, placing them in different middle and high schools starting in the 2026–2027 school year.

Our families deliberately chose to live in this area based on the current school assignments. Our children are thriving at Willard Middle School and Lightridge High School—both academically and socially. These schools are more than just educational institutions; they are the foundation of a strong, connected community that supports student success and emotional well-being.

We oppose the proposed re-zoning plan for the following reasons:

1. Disruption of Established Social and Educational Ties:
   Re-zoning that would split our community children to different schools will sever long-standing friendships and peer networks developed over years, negatively impacting our children's emotional stability, sense of security, and academic motivation. 
2. Community Fragmentation:
   The proposal threatens to divide cohesive neighborhoods, weakening the sense of belonging and civic involvement that comes from attending local schools with neighbors and friends. This change would also impact the overall sense of community within our neighborhood. 
3. Loss of Continuity:
   Many students have attended feeder elementary schools alongside their peers, creating a seamless educational journey. Re-zoning now would interrupt that continuity, especially during critical developmental years.
4. Unnecessary Stress on Families and Students:
   The uncertainty and upheaval caused by mid-stream school changes can lead to increased anxiety and stress for both students and parents, undermining educational outcomes. And/ or Splitting siblings into different schools disrupting their shared education experience and causing stress for the families impacted. 
5. Proximity and Commute: 
   Willard MS and Lightridge HS are the most accessible options for our children, Re-assigning them would result in longer commutes, particularly challenging during rush hours. Residents exiting onto the Braddock street would need to make left turns, which is busy and dangerous intersection with history of accidents. This change would  directly increase the risk for families commuting to school. The route to Willard and Lightridge is more direct and efficient, where as traveling to Mercer and John Champe would involve navigating already congested roads. 
6. Reduced Parental Involvement: 
   Proximity to schools often facilitates parental engagement. Rezoning that assigns students to more distant schools can hinder parents ability to participate in school activities, volunteer or attend meetings, thereby  affecting the school's community support system. 
7. Property Value Considerations: 
   Many families choose their residences based on current school assignments, often investing significant resources to reside within specifics school zones. Changes to these zones may impact property values, undermine residents investment and the expectations set during home purchases. 
8. Questionable Necessity and Alternatives:
   We ask the board to explore alternative solutions such as future capacity planning, school expansion, or temporary accommodations that do not involve uprooting students from their current schools.
   We understand the need to manage school capacity responsibly. However, we believe this can be achieved without sacrificing the stability and cohesion that our children and families currently enjoy.

We respectfully request that the LCPS Board uphold the existing school assignments for Willard Middle School and Lightridge High School and seek community-centered solutions that preserve our neighborhood unity.

We stand together in support of our schools, our children, and our community.

Thanking you, 

Lenah Mill Resident