Letter from the Editor
If you, like I, had pictured those quiet halls filled with the joyful sounds of children learning, playing, and growing—then this will be a hard message to read.
This afternoon, CharlottesvilleFamily received deeply disappointing news from Charlottesville City Schools. The U.S. Department of Education has reversed its initial decision and is now recommending that the Federal Executive Institute (FEI) property be transferred to the University of Virginia. According to their statement, UVA “best meets the Secretary’s priorities for property reuse.” We’ve included their full letter, along with the original April 29 notice which had supported the property’s transfer to Charlottesville City Schools.
This decision to take away the preschool center building comes amidst weeks of back-and-forth regarding the University’s DEI policy, adding another layer of complexity—and controversy—to a deeply disappointing outcome for Charlottesville families and educators.
This shift represents more than a change in paperwork—it’s a lost opportunity for children and families across our city.
As Dr. Royal Gurley and City Manager Sam Sanders shared in their statement:
“Our community viewed Charlottesville City Schools’ acquisition of the Federal Executive Institute as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to advance learning for not only our youngest learners but also our most vulnerable students. The rescinding of this opportunity is an enormous setback to our City and to our students.”
We share in that disappointment. And as always, we remain committed to standing alongside our community in advocating for spaces where all children can thrive.
— Jennifer Bryerton
Publisher & Editor, CharlottesvilleFamily Magazine
