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School board adopts F1 plan for High School 6; rising seniors may stay at current schools
Summary
After debate about building capacity and transportation impacts, the Stafford County School Board approved scenario F1 for High School 6 by a 6‑1 vote; the board later approved a separate motion, 7‑0, allowing rising seniors the option to remain at their existing high school for one year.
The Stafford County School Board voted 6‑1 on Jan. 14 to adopt scenario F1 as the redistricting plan for High School 6, moving attendance boundaries and prompting discussion about building capacity, transportation impacts and protections for students with disabilities.
School Board Chair Maureen Sigman put the measure to a vote after debate; the motion carried with Board Member Patricia Healy the sole dissenter. The board then approved, unanimously, a separate motion giving rising seniors the option to remain at their current high school for one year rather than transfer to the new assigned school.
Why it matters The vote affects attendance boundaries, transportation routes and building utilization across multiple high schools in Stafford County. Board members and staff discussed the plan’s tradeoffs: some members favored F1 because it better preserves capacity at North Stafford and gives the division flexibility in the county’s center; others preferred plan E on transportation grounds.
Debate and concerns Several board members criticized the late discovery of transportation impacts and asked staff to ensure students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) have a clear process for staying at their current school if needed. The board’s special‑education liaison explained that families could request an IEP meeting to discuss individual placement and that program‑level placements (for example, multiple‑disabilities programs) would not be disrupted by redistricting.
Transportation staff member Greg Mackey addressed specific route impacts and told the board that some scenarios would route multiple neighborhoods across I‑95 and Route 1, creating potential bottlenecks and greater exposure to traffic incidents. Board members repeatedly asked for transportation follow‑up and cost estimates tied to any routing changes.
Seniors and grandfathering The board voted 7‑0 to allow rising seniors the option to remain at their existing high school for one year; staff said transportation would be coordinated to accommodate seniors who choose to stay, although rides might be longer and families should expect potentially extended travel times.
Votes and next steps The board adopted F1 (motion passed 6‑1; Healy dissenting). Board members asked staff to return with implementation steps, specific data on how many special‑education students might be affected, and transportation cost and timing estimates. The board also discussed beginning planning for a future High School 7 sooner than previously scheduled because of projected growth.
Ending: The approved plan takes effect as described by staff; parents seeking exceptions for students with IEPs are directed to request an IEP meeting with their child’s school team. The board requested staff provide additional reports and timelines to inform families before the next school year.
