Va. schools crowding could go on

The crowding problem could be remedied by changing school boundaries — a process that could force some students to switch schools. A task force is considering that possibility this year, as well as the possibility of moving special programs, such as preschool classes that take up space in crowded schools.

School officials have been puzzled by the unexpected rise in elementary students enrolling at several North Arlington schools. They hoped the survey would give a better snapshot of the situation, said Mark Macekura, special projects coordinator for the schools.

Four elementary schools — Arlington Science Focus, Arlington Traditional, Nottingham and Tuckahoe — are expected to be at or above 100 percent capacity this fall. Tuckahoe, the most crowded school, is projected to be at 118 percent of capacity, according to schools documents. By 2009, it is estimated that two more schools, Glebe and Ashlawn, also will be overcrowded unless enrollment drops or changes are made to alleviate the situation.

More than 14,000 surveys were sent to homes in the areas of Ashlawn, Glebe, McKinley, Nottingham and Tuckahoe elementary schools. The surveys asked residents in English and Spanish if there were children under the age of 5 in the home and if they would attend an Arlington public school.

Slightly more than one-quarter — 26.8 percent — of respondents had children under 5. Of those, 94 percent expect their children to attend public school.

There was a “not great” response rate of 41 percent, Macekura said. There is no way to determine what percentage of households with children responded, he said. Still, he predicts the elementary population will continue its present trend.

“Once you see the numbers, no matter how you look at the data, you’ll expect the same numbers [of students],” Macekura said.

mhegstad@dcexaminer.com