The Mary G. Porter Traditional School will not be moving to the “Ferlazzo Site”, according to a letter sent out by the Prince William Superintendent of Schools Steven Walts on April 20.
The conversation about building a new school for Porter Traditional School to relocate to– on the corner of Spriggs and Minnieville Roads – began as a means to address overcrowding in the classrooms, a large amount of classroom trailers used at schools, and to expand enrollment, said Walts’ letter.
While Walts had originally made his recommendation to move forward with the move of the traditional school, in his letter, he stated that he had reversed his recommendation.
Originally, there were plans for the “Ferlazzo Site” to be used for a neighborhood school – not a traditional school program, said Marty Nohe. When the new plan for the traditional school was proposed, it caused massive outcry in the community from upset residents and parents.
Now that Walts has reversed his decision, the school board in Prince William can continue with their original plan.
Walts stated that he appreciated the dialog from the community about the plans for the traditional and community-based school options.
“Our PWCS administration discovered that our efforts to do the right thing must be enhanced by greater communication. We are excited to see how many of our residents – regardless of their position on this issue – can be motivated to get involved in securing what is best for their children,” said Walts.
Prince William County School Board member Michael Otaigbe, stated that he did want the traditional school to expand to the “Ferlazzo Site”, but he understood the choice wasn’t his to make alone.
“As far as I’m concerned, it’s a win-win outcome. The community around the Ferlazzo site – they wanted a community school, and these folks at the [Porter] Traditional School wanted a bigger building…but it didn’t work out…I represent the community – and I was torn between the traditional school that I love…however the people in the community do not see it how I see it, so I have to vote according to their needs and what they’re telling me that they want,” said Otaigbe.
There has been no further comment on if and where the Porter Traditional School could expand to increase their enrollment.
