Salem City Schools Superintendent proposes changes to elementary school attendance
Salem, Virginia – Salem City Schools Superintendent Curtis Hicks is proposing changes to the elementary school attendance of some students due to two major housing development projects in a formal and descriptive way.
The first development project, the ‘Simms Farm Housing Development Project’, has plans to bring a total of 139 new homes to the area. The second project, ‘Valleydale Lofts’, is set to introduce three-hundred apartments. These projects, while beneficial for the growth of the city, will impact the attendance of some students.
However, Superintendent Hicks assures that only a small number of students will be affected by the changes. By examining the implications of the two projects on the South Salem, East Salem area, Franklin Street, and Upland, it was found that there will be zero impact on the families in Simms Farm, as no families have yet moved into the new development. Of the 80 existing homes that were redistricted, only three families with students attending East Salem will be affected. Nonetheless, these students will be permitted to complete their term at East Salem before transitioning to middle school.
As a result, students from families residing in Franklin Street, Upland Drive, East towards Westclub Drive, and Simms Farm will attend South Salem. Meanwhile, Valleydale Loft students will attend GW Carver.
Superintendent Hicks’ proposal received a positive response from the parents, which he believes is due to the minimal impact on the affected families. Nonetheless, the school board is open to feedback and suggestions from the community.
Here is the full statement from the Superintendent:
“ Salem Families,
As a result of predicted growth in the East Salem Elementary School Attendance zone related to the Simms Farm housing development and the Valleydale Lofts Apartments project, the Salem City School Division is considering some minimal changes to our elementary school attendance zones at South Salem, East Salem, and GW Carver Elementary.
While it appears that very few current students will be impacted by these changes, I want to assure you that any current students who are impacted will be allowed to stay at their current school until they go to Andrew Lewis Middle School.
The plan to address the Simms Farm Development will include homes on Franklin Street, Poff Lane, Ambler Lane, Phillips Brook, Bent Ridge, Upland Drive (from Franklin Street to the corner of Upland and Westclub), and the homes within the Simms Farm Development. Please note that this does not include the houses currently under construction on the Simms property with driveways that directly access Upland Drive and Diamond Road.
The plan to address the Valleydale Lofts project will only impact that property. This complex will be redistricted from the East Salem attendance zone to the G.W. Carver attendance zone. This plan does not impact any current residences or students.
I encourage you to take time to review the Proposed Redistricting Maps for both areas.
In addition, Division representatives will present more information regarding the proposed changes during a public meeting at Andrew Lewis Middle School at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 21 in the ALMS auditorium. Parents and citizens will have an opportunity to review the proposed plan, ask questions, and provide comments. I am also available to answer any questions about the proposed plan as needed. I can be reached at the Salem City Schools Central Office by phone at 540-389-0130 or by email at [email protected].
The School Board will review and approve the plan with any necessary changes at the April 11 board meeting. If you would like to address the board regarding the redistricting plan or if you simply need clarification, please contact Susan Young, Board Clerk. She can be reached at [email protected] or by phone at 540-389-0130. “
