JAMES CITY COUNTY, Va. — It is a big talker for families in Williamsburg and James City County: what happens if the area's joint school system splits to form two independent divisions?
In June 2023, the James City County Board of Supervisors commissioned a study to find answers and to recommend a transition plan.
During the June 25 board meeting, county leaders and the public received a first look at the results of the report.
"If ultimately the decision is made that we are going to operate separate school divisions, how are we going to do that?" said board chair Ruth Larson.
According to the feasibility study, James City County would likely lose roughly 1,000 students and at least three school buildings in the split.
While the county would still have more than 10,000 students, there would still be changes to the budget, staff, and facilities. In one scenario, the report recommended the county build a new middle school, which could cost more than $105 million.
Board chairman Ruth Larson said the reason for the study is to avoid surprises, and officials want to put time and effort into making the right choice for their students and staff.
"It is very important to all of us that our children succeed," she said. "Whether we are together, or we are separate. That is the main focus."
The report also looked into staffing, redistricting, athletics, and extra-curricular activities, along with other recommendations.
County Administrator Scott Stevens said one of the biggest challenges is the lack of formal state guidelines for this situation.
"There isn't a section in code on how to do this in state code," said Stevens. "So, we are applying new ground if we proceed along those lines."
A separation would require approval from the James City County Board of Supervisors, Williamsburg City Council, and the Williamsburg-James City County school board.
According to the feasibility study, if all sides agree to move forward in the next year, city and county officials are eyeing 2028 as a target date to dissolve the school system.
But a lot would need to happen in the years leading up to the transition, including forming new school boards, administrators, and staff.
County officials began this process after Williamsburg City Council members expressed interest in investigating the potential of an independent school system and whether the current system best serves students who live in the City limits. A consulting group revealed the results of a separate feasibility study to City leaders in March.
Larson said residents can expect public meetings and surveys on the issue in the Fall.