The City Council of Alexandria, Virginia, convened on February 22, 2025, for a public hearing focused on the Alexandria City School Board's controversial proposal to close Jefferson Houston Elementary School and convert it into a middle school. The meeting featured passionate testimonies from community members advocating for the preservation of the school and its current K-8 model.

The session began with a speaker who expressed gratitude for the council's leadership and urged them to reject the school board's plan. This speaker highlighted the potential negative impacts of closing Jefferson Houston, emphasizing that the proposal disregards years of investment in the school and the needs of its students and families. They argued that the plan would destabilize a school that has made significant progress and create new challenges for the community.

Another speaker, Helen Morris, a former school board member, provided historical context about Jefferson Houston, describing the previous building as substandard and outlining the extensive community engagement that led to the current facility. She stressed the importance of the K-8 model, which fosters continuity for students and enhances educational outcomes. Morris called for effective leadership and forward planning rather than reactive measures.

Bridget Shea Westfall, a parent of two students, voiced her concerns about the lack of community input in the school board's decision-making process. She criticized the proposal for potentially displacing students from a Title I school that serves a predominantly Black population and urged the council to advocate for a more equitable approach to addressing school capacity issues.

Throughout the meeting, council members engaged with speakers, asking questions and seeking clarification on the implications of the proposed changes. The discussions underscored a strong community sentiment against the school board's plan, with calls for a more thoughtful and inclusive approach to school planning.

As the meeting concluded, the council was urged to prioritize the needs of families and students in their decision-making, ensuring that any future plans reflect the community's values and aspirations. The council's next steps will likely involve further discussions with the school board and continued engagement with community stakeholders to address the pressing issues surrounding school capacity and equity in Alexandria.