Parents voice concerns over school bus commutes and growth in Cushman County

The Goochland County Board of Supervisors meeting on July 1, 2025, featured significant community concerns regarding local school enrollment and infrastructure safety. Residents voiced their worries about the impact of new housing developments on Randolph Elementary School, highlighting the potential for overcrowding and long bus rides for students.

Spencer Smith, a parent of two children at Randolph Elementary, expressed his concerns about the lack of plans for a new elementary school to accommodate the increasing number of homes being built in the area. He emphasized that lengthy bus rides could hinder students' ability to perform well academically, stating that an hour-long commute each way is detrimental to their studies.

Additionally, community member Chuck Bent raised alarms about safety on Rockville Road, citing numerous accidents and fatalities. He criticized the current proposals for road improvements, arguing that they do not adequately address the underlying safety issues. Bent also lamented that Goochland County missed out on attracting a data center project from Amazon Web Services, suggesting a need for better economic development strategies.

Linda Moore, another resident, shared her experiences working with local developers to ensure balanced growth in the community. She acknowledged the challenges of reaching consensus but highlighted the importance of collaboration in achieving positive outcomes for Goochland.

The discussions underscored the community's desire for thoughtful planning and investment in education and infrastructure as the county continues to grow. The Board of Supervisors will need to consider these concerns as they plan for the future of Goochland County.