ANC Round Up: The Polite Boundary War Edition

Last night the ANC met for its June session. Sadly, as has been the case for a while, GM could only attend the first hour or so of the meeting. But here’s what GM caught:

School Boundaries

As GM covered here, part of the proposed changes issued by the Deputy Mayor of Education called for changes that would affect the attendance boundaries of Hyde-Addison, Key and Stoddert elementary schools. Essentially, the proposal called for future Burleith and Foxhall students to be assigned to Hyde instead of Stoddert or Key, respectively.

The recommendations are based on existing and forecasted demographic growth and were designed to reduce overcrowding at Key and Stoddert.

But Burleith families don’t see it that way. They would like to continue to be in Stoddert’s boundary (it should be noted that any boundary change will not likely affect existing students but only future students). And the ANC decided to wade into the controversy.

Burleith commissioner Ed Solomon presented the case. First he discussed some of the broader and more radical plans that were proposed on top of the boundary changes (discussed in depth here). (For instance, one radical proposal would deny everyone the right to attend their local in-boundary elementary and instead offer attendance at one of three, based on a lottery. This proposal is separate and apart from the proposed boundary change, which was part of all the proposed scenarios.) Second he stated that Burleith residents wanted to remain in the Stoddert boundary and the ANC should support that.

Several people stood up to support this measure until a couple of people (ok, GM was one of them) pointed out that there’s a bit of a conflict for the ANC to weigh in. With the exception of Solomon, all the other commissioners represent residents in the Hyde-Addison boundary. Arguably the boundary change will benefit Hyde in the long term. By having a larger boundary, it can ensure a larger in-boundary population, which will lead to more local investment in the school and help it flourish. And long term is probably the more appropriate time frame to consider since this is likely a once in a generation boundary change.

During the discussion, several people arguing for things to remain the same stressed that their position had nothing to do with the relative merits of the schools. But frankly that is difficult to believe. GM is a big fan of Hyde-Addison, but there is no doubt that Stoddert is widely perceived to be a better school (and even more so among families within its boundary). It certainly has better facilities. And really, nobody should blame Burleith residents for wanting to stick with what they perceive to be a better school. But that’s not the same as saying everyone else, particularly those in Hyde’s boundary, should endorse that position.

Ultimately the commission decided that Burleith has had a long relationship with Stoddert and should be allowed to continue it. That’s fair. Although the commission also wanted to stress that even though this is the first rezoning that the schools have done in decades, failing to rezone Burleith now doesn’t foreclose rezoning it in the future. This is, of course, both a cop-out and completely contradictory to the earlier point. If it’s not proper to sever that ancient bond between Burleith and Stoddert now–in the midst of a profound (and data-driven) re-evaluation of the entire system’s boundaries and feeder structures–how would it ever be likely or less improper to do it in the future instead?

Regardless, the commission embraced Solomon’s resolution (minus Commissioner Casey). One possible oversight (that GM would’ve pointed out if the commission weren’t entirely done with listening to the public at this point) was that Solomon included an objection to the more radical proposal to eliminate by-right attendance at your boundary school. This is a provision everyone, including Hyde families, can get behind. But his resolution only mentioned Stoddert, not Hyde. He surely would have amended the resolution had this been pointed out, but maybe it’s a little telling that none of the commissioners noticed.

At the end of the discussion, Chairman Lewis commented that he was proud of the community for being respectful and courteous despite the heated topic. That GM can agree with.

Hyde-Addison Renovations

Speaking of Hyde, the commission also discussed the long promised Hyde renovations. They will come in two phases. First the Hyde School (the southern building) will be modernized. The work is supposed to be performed (and completed) this summer. Second is the construction of the new building. The commission discussed how the funding for the project has been subject to some questions, but that they felt assured now that it would be available.

However, Hyde parent John Lever, who has been actively involved in the project, stood and complained that there are no signs of work on the first phase, despite the approaching summer. He also pointed out that despite obtaining concept approval for the new building, the project managers have made no apparent progress in getting the ultimate plans completed and approved. Given the slow nature of the Old Georgetown Board process (and the fact it doesn’t meet in August) this is a concern. Hopefully with advocates like John around, these projects won’t slip off track.

Crime

Lieutenant John Hedgecock delivered his monthly public safety update. One item that GM found particularly interesting was that so far his officers have made 212 arrests this year (mostly related to shop thefts). That compares with a typical number of 400 for the year. He attributed that uptick to a robust new program whereby his officers, store owners, and the BID can quickly communicate via text and share information on store robberies and suspects. He stressed that it wasn’t a replacement for 911, but nonetheless it sounds like a success story and thanks should go to people like Officer Atkins who came up with the idea.

Appointment

Due to Peter Prindiville’s stepping down from the commission, not only is his seat empty but so is his job as secretary. The commission named Solomon the new secretary “for a while”. GM previously served as secretary for an organization. It’s not a fun job. GM hopes Ed read the fine print on that “for a while” business.