JAMES CITY COUNTY — A public information meeting was held at the James City County Government Center on Thursday, Oct. 10 to explain a Feasibility Study and Transition Plan for creating a separate Pre-K-12 school division ahead of possible deconsolidation of the joint Williamsburg-James City School division.
The meeting was led by David Gaston, of Gaston Educational Consulting, which did the study, and the county laid out a plan to seek citizen input in the coming weeks.
But less than a day later, the City of Williamsburg released a statement in response to a recent request by James City County for a preferred resolution regarding the status of the City of Williamsburg’s ongoing study of the joint school system and academic outcomes for city students.
“The City Council prefers to remain in the joint school system. However, as the City Council has studied alternatives, it has identified deficiencies in the current structure. A modernized, joint operating contract should allow for the City to address these issues while also allowing both localities to maintain the benefits of a joint school division,” the city said in a statement early Friday afternoon.
“The City Council looks forward to working with the James City County Board of Supervisors and the Williamsburg-James City County School Board in the weeks ahead to craft a new contract for a joint school system that ensures the best possible educational opportunities and outcomes for all city and county students. Updates regarding the negotiation will be shared as they are available,” the statement continued.
Several hours after Williamsburg released its statement, James City County responded.
“The James City County Board of Supervisors appreciates that the City of Williamsburg has indicated its preference to remain operating as a joint school system,” read an email from the county. “The Board agrees that a modernized joint operating agreement is needed. While details remain to be discussed, we look forward to working together for a solution.”
“Ultimately, the Board’s priority remains committed to providing the highest quality schools for students in both James City County and the City of Williamsburg. We believe that both localities can find a way forward that will support the needs of all students and their families,” it continued.
In September of this year, the City of Williamsburg had issued a press release that indicated the James City County Board of Supervisors took the lead in terminating an existing contract for the Williamsburg-James City County (WJCC) Joint Operations of Schools.
According to the county, while technically correct, it noted the Board took that action in July of 2023 in response to the Williamsburg City Council’s June 2023 vote to explore the feasibility of splitting the school operations.
The joint school system has been in place since 1955 and is reviewed every five years. The most recent revision was approved in May 2022.
In order for a deconsolidation to take place, the City of Williamsburg, James City County, as well as the WJCC School Board, would have to be in agreement before the decision would be sent to be considered by the General Assembly.
A “deconstruction” process of a joint school resolution has never happened in the Commonwealth.
“The national trend is towards consolidation because resources are so thin. Nowhere in Virginia have we ever had a separation. It is unprecedented. The code really does not speak to it and we have had to extrapolate from the law a little of what we know about it,” said Gaston.
A recent This Week in James City County podcast episode explained the feasibility and transition study.
At the Oct. 10 meeting, James City County had announced it would embark on a plan to seek feedback regarding the deconsolidation via focus groups and citizen input. Focus Group Sessions had been scheduled for Oct. 23 at Legacy Hall, with citizens asked to register to participate by signing up online. Citizens could also express their input through the online citizen survey. It was unclear Friday if plans to seek input would continue or be paused.
This story will be updated as information becomes available.
Read previous stories regarding the possibility of WJCC Schools deconsolidation:
WJCC Schools ‘Deconsolidation’ Feasibility Study and Transition Plan Presented to JCC Board
