In their decision to close Clifton Elementary, some members of the FCPS School Board have clearly demonstrated to the residents of Fairfax County that they continue to disregard the value of data reliability, fiscal responsibility, agency transparency and the ability to serve their constituents.
The FCPS School Board voted to CLOSE Clifton Elementary School, leaving the LARGEST GEOGRAPHICAL AREA in Fairfax Co. without a school. Closing Clifton Elementary will have a profound domino effect on the surrounding communities and their neighborhood schools.
- FCPS Springfield District Representative, Liz Bradsher, led the charge to close this school; misrepresenting her position time and again to the Clifton community. Ms. Bradsher's actions have left her without a political party willing to endorse her and have hopefully destroyed her chances of winning any seat in this district in the future.
- Clifton Elementary serves an area consisting of approximately 2200 homes, and represents nearly 40 square miles that will be left without a school in Fairfax County.
- The FCPS School Board cited 3 reasons for the closure of Clifton Elementary. All 3 of those reasons have proven false.
- Studies have shown that communities where a community school is closed, there is a negative impact on local housing values averaging up to 13%. The FCPS School Board admonished the Clifton Community for being concerned with home values, and repeatedly stated that home values are not a concern of the School Board. However, the following document suggests otherwise. Just the Facts
"Good schools are good for everyone in Fairfax County - they attract businesses and enhance property values. The quality of schools is one of the most important items when determining the value of a home."
While the residents in Clifton agree with the School Board that all of the schools surrounding Clifton Elementary are fine schools, we are concerned about unraveling this already disperse community into 3 separate elementary schools: Union Mill, Oak View and Fairview, thereby permanently altering the fabric of this community. Clifton Elementary was the stitching that held this community together.
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To view the FCPS School Board Meeting from 7/8/10 where the Board voted to close Clifton, click here
This page was last updated: June 15, 2011
Save Clifton Elementary would like to thank the Clifton PTA
For information about the Clifton PTA, please visit their website at: Clifton PTA
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Home of the Clifton Cardinals
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To view the June 28, 2010 Public Hearing - Clifton Elementary Facilities Issues, please click here
8/8/10
Friends of Community Schools is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people in Fairfax County advocate for and protect community-centered schools by encouraging leaders, including elected officials, to retain, enhance and develop community-centered schools for the betterment, enjoyment and well-being of the residents and in support of the preservation and vitality of surrounding neighborhoods.
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Clifton Elementary is featured on the National Trust for Historic Preservation slide show "This Place Matters".
July 8, 2010: FCPS School Board Voted to CLOSE Clifton Elementary
The Fairfax County School Board based its decision to close Clifton Elementary on higher renovation costs, reliability of the water supply and declining enrollment.
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Costs are higher to renovate Clifton!
REALLY?
According to FCPS Final Staff Report, dated May 3, 2010, renovation costs at CES are not only comparable to other FCPS schools in the Capital Improvement Program, they are LOWER than many schools.
Well #3 at Clifton is contaminated! REALLY?
The professional fix on the Clifton ES well was "inexpensive" per Dean Tistadt, FCPS Chief Operating Officer and requires no annual operating expenses as reported in the Final Staff Report. The professional report was available July 2, 2010, six days before the School Board voted to close Clifton ES, for, in part, reliability of its well water.
Enrollment is declining at Clifton!
REALLY?
The attendance area of Clifton ES - the largest in the county and making up over 10% of the county's geography - is supported by THREE zip codes: 22030, 22039 and 20124. Projections for future enrollment were based on only 20124, excluding a large population of students.
Student Density Map for Clifton Attendance Area
Final Water Analysis for CES
Actual Renovation Costs
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Most recent Media Coverage
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Clifton ES is currently at 100% capacity with 370 children enrolled
