The community’s recent attention on the Federal Executive Institute property underscores a critical truth: When our schools are in the spotlight, people care. But that care must extend beyond a single property or flashpoint. If we are serious about supporting our schools and students — especially those with the greatest needs — we must commit to sustained engagement and shared responsibility across the year.

The decision by the University of Virginia to pursue the FEI property, despite requests from the city and Charlottesville City Schools to step aside, was deeply disappointing. It signaled a missed opportunity for UVa to demonstrate what true partnership with its host city can look like — one grounded in mutual respect, responsiveness and a commitment to equity.

And yet, we must move forward. The moment now demands that we focus on solutions, not just setbacks.

As a community, we should urge City Council to convene a table that includes all stakeholders — CCS, UVa and city leadership — to explore how UVa can help offset this lost opportunity and invest meaningfully in the future of our students. Whether through the use of other land, financial support or innovative partnerships, UVa has the resources and reach to make a difference. A stronger, more accountable partnership should also address the long-term impacts of UVa’s expansion on the city’s tax base and service demands.

This is also a season of celebration for Charlottesville City Schools. Over 300 students will graduate from Charlottesville High School next week, and across the division, students are preparing for what’s next. It’s a time that reminds us what this work is really about: opening doors and creating possibilities for every student. If ever there was a time to recommit ourselves to that mission, it’s now.

Most importantly, let’s not allow the energy and advocacy sparked by this issue to fade. Our schools need volunteers, mentors, advocates and supporters every day — not just in moments of conflict or controversy. If you were moved to write a letter, attend a meeting or speak up in recent weeks, we are grateful for you, we thank you, and we hope you’ll stay involved.

Charlottesville’s students deserve more than a headline. They deserve a city — and a university — that shows up for them every day.

Amanda Burns, Shymora Cooper, Emily Dooley, Chris Meyer, Dom Morse, Nicole Richardson and Lisa Torres
Charlottesville School Board

Message to Cville Schools Community on Monday, May 12

Dear Charlottesville City Schools community–

We are writing to express our deep disappointment in the federal government rescinding its decision to transfer the Federal Executive Institute (FEI) campus to Charlottesville City Schools. We simply cannot overstate what a setback this is.  Being selected to acquire the FEI at no cost was a once-in-a-generation opportunity for our schools. The federal government has now taken this away for reasons that are frankly not clear. 

Our priority now is to ensure that the preschool remains on track to open in August 2026, and we do not have time to delay. As part of work to modernize Buford Middle School and return 5th-graders to their elementary schools, we developed several good options for our preschoolers on the Walker campus, and we will follow these plans.

Unfortunately the loss of FEI still creates many significant negative impacts on students, including the loss of expanded alternative learning and special needs spaces. Crucially, we are losing the chance to expand the schools’ physical footprint to get “breathing room” for future needs.

We have heard from many members of our community who are frustrated, angry, and sad to see this property go to UVA rather than to our students. We share your grief. In April, I asked UVA to step aside and not apply for this property—I didn’t want this to be a competition between us. 

We have many positive long-standing connections at UVA, specifically with the School of Education and the Center for Community Partnerships. But there is more that needs to be done to improve our relationship with the institution as a whole. As we move forward, we consider this a moment to ask how UVA and CCS can maximize opportunities to support one another in the service of our students and community.

It’s also a moment to appreciate the strength of Charlottesville. As a Board, we have been blown away by how the community championed this possibility. We know that with your continued support and the City’s backing—and perhaps even a new level of investment from UVA—we will get our kids the facilities, programs, and opportunities they deserve.

Emily Dooley, Chair, and the Charlottesville City School Board