Current Events: Loudoun Might Close 4 Old Schools

Aldie School (2011)

Another budget year, another fight to keep Loudoun's older schools open. Lincoln, Aldie, Hamilton, and Hillsboro. I myself am not in favor of closing the schools. Would they be reopened after the Board of Supervisors gives more money to the school system? What happens to the buildings when they're closed? What would happen to the surrounding community if these schools close? What do the kids get out of this, opened or closed, because that's really what this debate should be centered around, not the budget.

Many of these older schools have been on the chopping blocks for years. It's a favorite topic of boards during budget season. My school, Loudoun County High School, has even been up for consideration at least at one time, with the idea for the building to become a new public schools administration building (back when North Street was used).

Middleburg ES is thankfully off of the list, set to become the area's first charter school (yet still under LCPS supervision). Hillsboro is also thinking of this route. Aldie wants to expand. I haven't read of any plans from Lincoln's community.

My big thing is historical preservation. If they are no longer schools, they should be used in other ways that continue to help their surrounding area out in some capacity. Community Centers have been a popular reuse of school buildings here in Loudoun. Others possibilities could be a small shopping area (each room a different store), a town hall, a museum, or even a more creative attraction. Any adaptive reuse while setting aside a little space to honor the building's original purpose would make me happy.

These buildings have made impacts on the Loudoun community, generation after generation. They still have the ability to teach students. I wish the best for all the schools.


In other news, Superintendent Dr. Hatrick is resigning (old news), and Eric Williams, superintendent of York County (down here in Hampton Roads) will be taking his place (new news). I wish him godspeed (and still crossing my fingers for a Hatrick Elementary)


Some articles I looked at while writing for this article:
Closure threat may become reality for Loudoun's small schools
Aldie, in booming Loudoun, pitches school expansion to keep its village feel
Western Loudoun Families Weary Of Small School Fight
Public Hearing Tuesday On Middleburg School Closure