What school do you go to? Answer could change for some as Henrico leaders consider rezoning due to overcrowding

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- The Henrico County School Board is considering moving some students around due to overcrowding at certain high schools.

At a board meeting on Thursday, Feb. 27, some students took to the podium during the public comment section to provide some context.

This story begins years ago, in 2021, when the new J.R. Tucker High School was built.

"My school was given a brand new building that was big enough for the amount of students then -- but now, four years later, there are too many students for the building to hold," one student said Thursday night.

The student added that she's seen students forced to stand during lunch, to sit on the floors or even in the bathroom -- all due to spacing concerns. She demanded change.

"This year, fights have been hard to control and the massive amounts of kids gathering at the scenes do not help," the student said. "It is extremely challenging to stop a fight when there are over 300 kids in one area."

According to data presented at Thursday night's meeting from "Ace Center Programming," Douglas Freeman High School and J.R. Tucker High School are nearing — or already above — capacity. Here's a look at the chart shown to attendees.

In addition to those already-crowded schools, a new residential community going up in Highland Springs High School's zoning area could push that already around 85% full school over the edge.

"I think that redistricting or boundary adjustments is the toughest thing a school board does," said Three Chopt District Representative Madison Irving. "And I think it is the most emotionally charged thing."

Take a look at this map, which displays one of the rezoing proposals.

The Henrico County School Board discussed moving some students zoned for Douglas Freeman to the less full Godwin High School, instead.

They also proposed changing the boundary so prospective new tenants moving to a new Fairfield housing development would be zoned for Henrico High School, instead of Highland Springs.

The map shown below illustrates that option.

These proposals have already sparked division.

"I do not support adjusting Highland Springs' current student enrollment at all, at this time," said Varina District representative Alicia Atkins.

The board opted not to make any decisions just yet.

Board members added that they feel this is a bigger conversation than just the two plans outlined.

They plan to hold community input sessions soon to hear how residents feel about the proposals, plus transition options, which could give older students a little more of a say in what happens with them for graduation and allow others to opt-in early.

To view the spreadsheet data, click here. For additional details about the potential plans, click here.