As neighborhood members of the Stowe of Amyclae, we are writing to express our strong opposition to the proposed 2022-2023 redistricting of Winding Creek Elementary School (ES), Park Ridge ES Boundary Change Scenario A.  We urge the Stafford County Public Schools (SCPS) School Board to consider the alternative Park Ridge ES Boundary Change Scenarios proposed that would balance the capacity utilization of our schools, while minimizing the overall impact on families and students. SCPS Park Ridge ES Boundary Change Proposals for reference.

Our proposal accounts for the following SCPS Rezoning Goals and Considerations:

• Minimize overall impact on families and students – Redistricting Winding Creek ES would shift over 340 students throughout 8 different planning units vice alternative zoning proposals presented by the board that would shift fewer planning units (5 to 6) and over 50% fewer students (170+/- students).
• School feeder patterns – Redistricting Winding Creek ES will increase the number of students attending elementary schools that do not feed into their assigned middle school and/or high school.  The alternative zoning proposals maximizes the number of students who would attend elementary schools that feed into their middle school and/or high school, minimizing unnecessary transitions, and affording a higher degree of stability to our children. 
• Forecasted school enrollment and capacity - Based on the most recent SCPS Fall 10-Year Projections and Capacity Utilization report, Winding Creek ES is currently and projected to be well balanced in its capacity utilization.  Including Winding Creek ES in the redistricting proposal would have significant negative effects on more students and families than necessary.  
• Minimize frequency of previous changes for affected neighborhoods - Redistricting Winding Creek ES will require a secondary school zone change for several students recently impacted by school rezoning, 2019-2020.  The alternative zoning proposals will limit the negative impacts of frequent school rezoning on students and afford stability to the greatest number of children in our communities.  

We are aware that rezoning is part of a growing community, but as emphasized in the Stafford County 2040 Vision for the future – healthy growth is a top priority.  Healthy growth as it pertains to our children means implementing plans and systems that support the educational and emotional needs of our children.  In support of our children, we urge the School Board to disapprove the redistricting of Winding Creek ES and consider the approval of the alternative scenarios that minimizes the impact on families and students and maximizes the stability to the greater number of children.   

Thank you for your continued service and support of our communities. 

Best Regards,

Neighborhood residences of the Stowe of Amyclae