New West Area High School to relieve overcrowding at Cosby...

[EPJr1947]

This project would provide a new high school in the western Rte 360 area, likely in the recently rezoned Upper Magnolia Green (West). This would be Chesterfield’s 11th comprehensive high school, the first new one since Cosby High opened in 2006. The new high school is needed to meet rapid population growth, as evidenced by the installation of mega trailers with 24 classrooms at Cosby High for the 2022-23 school year. The new school will also provide capacity to relieve overcrowding in adjoining attendance zones

https://www.chesterfield.gov/DocumentCenter/View/30003/Community-Facilities-Bond-Plan_Bond-Information-OverviewPDF?bidId=

 

[EPJr1947]

FUNDING ALLOCATION $375 MILLION, 7 PROJECTS Projects include replacement schools for A.M. Davis, Bensley and Grange Hall elementary schools, replacement of Midlothian Middle School, expansion for Thomas Dale High School, a new western 360 area elementary school, and a new western Rte 360 high school.

NEW WESTERN 360 AREA HIGH SCHOOL, $135 MILLION This project would provide a new high school in the western 360 area, likely in the recently rezoned Upper Magnolia Green (West). This would be Chesterfield’s 11th comprehensive high school, the first new one since Cosby High opened in 2006. The new high school is needed to meet rapid population growth, as evidenced by the installation of mega trailers with 24 classrooms at Cosby High for the 2022-23 school year. The new school will also provide capacity to relieve overcrowding in adjoining attendance zones.

https://www.chesterfield.gov/Docume...Bond-Plan_Bond-Information-OverviewPDF?bidId=

 

[DinwiddieProud]

WOW!!! NOVA in our own back yard.

 

[CRF4Dan]

WOW!!! NOVA in our own back yard.

Like Henrico, Chesterfield just keeps building further and further west.

 

[falcettik]

WOW!!! NOVA in our own back yard.

I know you are being sarcastic, but be careful what you wish (?) for. Kind of like saying "Candyman" one too many times.....

 

[EPJr1947]

Chesterfield decides on location for new high school
by: Will Gonzalez

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Chesterfield County Public Schools has announced that it has decided on a location for it’s first new high school since 2006.

According to a Chesterfield County’s website, the 2,400-student school will be located on county-owned land on Duval Road, about 1,600 feet west of the intersection of Duval Road and Otterdale Road.

Approved by voters in a 2022 referendum, the new school would alleviate capacity-related issues at Chesterfield’s current newest high school, Cosby, which opened in 2006 and is currently over 100% capacity.

The county plans to construct several new roads around the school in anticipation of increased car traffic through the area.

The county says it plans to open the school to students by the fall of 2027.

https://www.wric.com/news/local-new...o&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=socialflow

 

[CRF4Dan]

Chesterfield decides on location for new high school
by: Will Gonzalez

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Chesterfield County Public Schools has announced that it has decided on a location for it’s first new high school since 2006.

According to a Chesterfield County’s website, the 2,400-student school will be located on county-owned land on Duval Road, about 1,600 feet west of the intersection of Duval Road and Otterdale Road.

Approved by voters in a 2022 referendum, the new school would alleviate capacity-related issues at Chesterfield’s current newest high school, Cosby, which opened in 2006 and is currently over 100% capacity.

The county plans to construct several new roads around the school in anticipation of increased car traffic through the area.

The county says it plans to open the school to students by the fall of 2027.

https://www.wric.com/news/local-new...o&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=socialflow

I am always intrigued when it comes to new schools and choices of mascots. I hope they do something original. Across the state we have so many Wildcats, Devils, Raiders, Warriors, Patriots, Eagles and Bulldogs.

Also intrigued by how this shapes district games when it opens. A Dominion District slate with 11 teams would mean a 10-game district schedule meaning no Thomas Dale-Bird... I don't see anyone letting the Battle of Chester go by the wayside so I got to believe someone like a Huguenot or Richmond City would be moved to maybe the Colonial District or maybe a prerequisite that you only have to play 9 district games... just something to think about.

 

[SFUWO 21]

I am always intrigued when it comes to new schools and choices of mascots. I hope they do something original. Across the state we have so many Wildcats, Devils, Raiders, Warriors, Patriots, Eagles and Bulldogs.

Also intrigued by how this shapes district games when it opens. A Dominion District slate with 11 teams would mean a 10-game district schedule meaning no Thomas Dale-Bird... I don't see anyone letting the Battle of Chester go by the wayside so I got to believe someone like a Huguenot or Richmond City would be moved to maybe the Colonial District or maybe a prerequisite that you only have to play 9 district games... just something to think about.

In 2003 Cave Spring was split creating Hidden Valley. They were in the Blue Ridge district at the time. Creating an 11 school district. The River Ridge district was then created having teams from C3-C6. It was made up of mostly Roanoke Co schools along with Salem. Carroll Co was added later (head scratcher).
We still have the Blue Ridge district and several of the teams still play their old rivalry games.
This is probably the best option. Make two districts one with 6 the other with 5. You could then add a school that's looking for a new district to compete in as well. Allows the old rivalry games to continue with schedule openings for football and basketball

 

[EPJr1947]

I am always intrigued when it comes to new schools and choices of mascots. I hope they do something original. Across the state we have so many Wildcats, Devils, Raiders, Warriors, Patriots, Eagles and Bulldogs.

Also intrigued by how this shapes district games when it opens. A Dominion District slate with 11 teams would mean a 10-game district schedule meaning no Thomas Dale-Bird... I don't see anyone letting the Battle of Chester go by the wayside so I got to believe someone like a Huguenot or Richmond City would be moved to maybe the Colonial District or maybe a prerequisite that you only have to play 9 district games... just something to think about.

Dan, you of all people know that the RVa area don't care about districts - they make their own rules. The Magnolia Green area school will be 6A and will play the schools that will enhance their regional standings.
However this may fuel the fire for an all Chesterfield District (again).

 

[EPJr1947]

I am always intrigued when it comes to new schools and choices of mascots. I hope they do something original. Across the state we have so many Wildcats, Devils, Raiders, Warriors, Patriots, Eagles and Bulldogs.

Also intrigued by how this shapes district games when it opens. A Dominion District slate with 11 teams would mean a 10-game district schedule meaning no Thomas Dale-Bird... I don't see anyone letting the Battle of Chester go by the wayside so I got to believe someone like a Huguenot or Richmond City would be moved to maybe the Colonial District or maybe a prerequisite that you only have to play 9 district games... just something to think about.

nobody asked me but I would call them;

the Otterdale High School Otters.
I would have the colors forest green/white/burgundy red

or

the Duval High School Musketeers
I would have the colors navy blue/gold/crimson red

or



The Horsepen Creek High School Broncos
I would like the colors to be green/black/orange

or


The Moseley High School Westerners
I would like the colors to be sky blue/royal blue/white

 

[CRF4Dan]

In 2003 Cave Spring was split creating Hidden Valley. They were in the Blue Ridge district at the time. Creating an 11 school district. The River Ridge district was then created having teams from C3-C6. It was made up of mostly Roanoke Co schools along with Salem. Carroll Co was added later (head scratcher).
We still have the Blue Ridge district and several of the teams still play their old rivalry games.
This is probably the best option. Make two districts one with 6 the other with 5. You could then add a school that's looking for a new district to compete in as well. Allows the old rivalry games to continue with schedule openings for football and basketball

That's actually not a bad idea. I mean lets be honest, in the old days (pre-2013) when we had the old regions each region had 4 districts but I don't believe there is anything that would keep a 5th district from being created. In fact, in the Richmond/Central Region we have 34 schools and when you add another that will be 35 schools. You could actually do 5 districts with 7 teams in which is what the four districts (Capital, Central, Colonial & Dominion) had back in the 90's.

 

[71ShadesofNavy]

This would be my suggestion: 4 districts with 9 teams each. Not perfect, but fair. Especially, with the VHSL allowing districts to allow teams to waive some district games. Great for other sports too.

Dominion: Powhatan, Midlothian, Manchester, Monacan, James River, Cosby, Midlothian, Clover Hill, and New School.

Central: Bird, Dale, Meadowbrook, Matoaca, Hopewell, Dinwiddie, Colonial Heights, Prince George, and Petersburg.

Colonial: Freeman, Huguenot, Glen Allen, Hermitage, Tucker, Deep Run, TJ, Godwin, and RSA. Maggie Walker (non football)

Capital: Highland Springs, Varina, John Marshall, Armstrong, Atlee, PH-Ashland, Hanover, Mechanicsville, and Henrico

 

[EPJr1947]

This would be my suggestion: 4 districts with 9 teams each. Not perfect, but fair. Especially, with the VHSL allowing districts to allow teams to waive some district games. Great for other sports too.

Dominion: Powhatan, Midlothian, Manchester, Monacan, James River, Cosby, Midlothian, Clover Hill, and New School.

Central: Bird, Dale, Meadowbrook, Matoaca, Hopewell, Dinwiddie, Colonial Heights, Prince George, and Petersburg.

Colonial: Freeman, Huguenot, Glen Allen, Hermitage, Tucker, Deep Run, TJ, Godwin, and RSA. Maggie Walker (non football)

Capital: Highland Springs, Varina, John Marshall, Armstrong, Atlee, PH-Ashland, Hanover, Mechanicsville, and Henrico

not bad
Chesterfield will want an all county district tho.

 

[71ShadesofNavy]

I hope not it would wreck the Central District and would create a horrid situation for non revenue sports as well.

 

[EPJr1947]

I hope not it would wreck the Central District and would create a horrid situation for non revenue sports as well.

They tried last cycle but the VHSL executive committee turned them down.

 

[CRF4Dan]

Dan, you of all people know that the RVa area don't care about districts - they make their own rules. The Magnolia Green area school will be 6A and will play the schools that will enhance their regional standings.
However this may fuel the fire for an all Chesterfield District (again).

I'd almost bet on Chesterfield pushing for their own district again.

This would be my suggestion: 4 districts with 9 teams each. Not perfect, but fair. Especially, with the VHSL allowing districts to allow teams to waive some district games. Great for other sports too.

Dominion: Powhatan, Midlothian, Manchester, Monacan, James River, Cosby, Midlothian, Clover Hill, and New School.

Central: Bird, Dale, Meadowbrook, Matoaca, Hopewell, Dinwiddie, Colonial Heights, Prince George, and Petersburg.

Colonial: Freeman, Huguenot, Glen Allen, Hermitage, Tucker, Deep Run, TJ, Godwin, and RSA. Maggie Walker (non football)

Capital: Highland Springs, Varina, John Marshall, Armstrong, Atlee, PH-Ashland, Hanover, Mechanicsville, and Henrico

Good looking district lineup.

 

[EPJr1947]

I'd almost bet on Chesterfield pushing for their own district again.

Good looking district lineup.

smart to include Powhatan.

 

[71ShadesofNavy]

Remember the VHSL is the member schools. Why would each region allow school divisions to determine regions. That gives a clear unfair advantage to the bigger divisions. It would set a bad precedent. Just saying.

 

[Virginia HS Football Fan]

I will still beat it like a dead horse. Every school should play every team in its district no matter what the Richmond teams think. There should no waivers to allow a team go not schedule district opponents. Every region should have two or four districts; preferably four if we dropped to four classes.

If you think you're too good to play a full district schedule, just go play in VISAA or just have a random national independent schedule.

 

[71ShadesofNavy]

@Virginia HS Football Fan, I tend to agree with you about the District games; however, due to the current district alignments some games are just not a good idea and frankly not in the best interest of either school. Let's use Glen Allen (Class 6) vs. John Marshall (Class 2). They are both in the Colonial District, but the enrollment, depth, and talent gap in every sport other than basketball is ridiculous.

Its not just about football. I umpired for many years in the 804 and I can tell you a Glen Allen vs. John Marshall game takes 3+ hours to play even with the mercy rule. What does it prove? These are kids we are attempting to encourage to participate and stay involved.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

@Virginia HS Football Fan, I tend to agree with you about the District games; however, due to the current district alignments some games are just not a good idea and frankly not in the best interest of either school. Let's use Glen Allen (Class 6) vs. John Marshall (Class 2). They are both in the Colonial District, but the enrollment, depth, and talent gap in every sport other than basketball is ridiculous.

Its not just about football. I umpired for many years in the 804 and I can tell you a Glen Allen vs. John Marshall game takes 3+ hours to play even with the mercy rule. What does it prove? These are kids we are attempting to encourage to participate and stay involved.

I fully agree. That’s why there is an option to opt out, and it’s “checked and balanced” by the fact that it has to be approved unanimously by the district.

 

[EPJr1947]

Remember the VHSL is the member schools. Why would each region allow school divisions to determine regions. That gives a clear unfair advantage to the bigger divisions. It would set a bad precedent. Just saying.

also remember regions are autonomous and the VHSL has little power over them.

Remember the VHSL is the member schools. Why would each region allow school divisions to determine regions. That gives a clear unfair advantage to the bigger divisions. It would set a bad precedent. Just saying.

too late the precedent has already been set in NOVA.

 

[17Bluebird]

Put the schools in their proper alignment for all schools.

 

[EPJr1947]

west area high school meeting​

Chesterfield County Public Schools

At a community, school leaders and representatives from design and construction partners will share exterior color options for the new west area high school façade, and members of the community will be able to vote for their favorite choice. Additionally, plans for interior features will be shared along with an overview of the site plan, construction process and timeline.

WHAT: Vote for the new west area high school façade colors and see interior design features
WHERE: Cosby High (14300 Fox Club Parkway, Midlothian, VA 23112)

When it opens in 2027, the new high school is expected to primarily draw students from the Cosby High zone and will likely affect the Manchester High and Midlothian High zones. Attendance zones have not been determined and will not be discussed this meeting. Information from the community meeting, including online voting for the façade color, will be available on oneccps.org.
Chesterfield County School Board approved the fiscal year 2025 capital improvement program, which includes construction of the west area high school. The project is funded through a Chesterfield County bond referendum approved by voters in November 2022. The 12th high school in Chesterfield County, the school will accommodate up to 2,400 students and will be located at 17500 Duval Road.

 

[EPJr1947]

Located at 17500 Duval Road, the new high school will feature state-of-the-art amenities, including two full-size gymnasiums, a 3,500-seat stadium, specialized arts and career education classrooms, and dedicated special education space. Outdoor athletic facilities will include baseball and softball diamonds, ample parking, and gathering spaces to support school and community events.

The future 340,000-square-foot facility is designed to accommodate approximately 2,400 students. It will be given a permanent name prior to its scheduled opening in August 2027.

Chesterfield Breaks Ground on First New High School in Over Two Decades •

www.chesterfield.gov

 

[sammyk32]

Now thats interesting

 

[EPJr1947]

Chesterfield County Public Schools (CCPS) has previously requested that the Virginia High School League (VHSL) move all its high schools into a single, unified district.
In past VHSL realignment cycles, CCPS appealed the assignment of its schools across two different districts (the Dominion and Central districts), advocating for a more cohesive countywide alignment.

Status and Reasons for Realignment

• The Proposal: The district's goal has been to reduce travel times and foster local rivalries by having all schools compete in the same regular-season district, even though they may belong to different VHSL Regions (like 5C or 6A) for the postseason.
• Current Alignment: As of the 2025-26 mid-cycle alignment, Chesterfield schools remain split between the Dominion and Central districts due to their varying school sizes (classifications).
• Expansion Impact: With the opening of the 12th high school (currently "Western Area High School") in August 2027, CCPS enrollment will shift again, likely prompting further alignment requests from the VHSL Alignment Committee.

 

[CRF4Dan]

Chesterfield County Public Schools (CCPS) has previously requested that the Virginia High School League (VHSL) move all its high schools into a single, unified district.
In past VHSL realignment cycles, CCPS appealed the assignment of its schools across two different districts (the Dominion and Central districts), advocating for a more cohesive countywide alignment.

Status and Reasons for Realignment

• The Proposal: The district's goal has been to reduce travel times and foster local rivalries by having all schools compete in the same regular-season district, even though they may belong to different VHSL Regions (like 5C or 6A) for the postseason.
• Current Alignment: As of the 2025-26 mid-cycle alignment, Chesterfield schools remain split between the Dominion and Central districts due to their varying school sizes (classifications).
• Expansion Impact: With the opening of the 12th high school (currently "Western Area High School") in August 2027, CCPS enrollment will shift again, likely prompting further alignment requests from the VHSL Alignment Committee.

Folks complain about the disparity of region size yet we will have a district that has 12 schools?

Does Henrico follow suit? Deep Run, Douglas Freeman, Glen Allen, Hermitage, JR Tucker, Mills Godwin, Henrico, Highland Springs and Varina. That's a 9-team district right there.

If Chesterfield merges into one district does Huguenot & Richmond go to the Central District? What about Powhatan? Talk about travel time... Powhatan moving to the Central District would make no sense whatsoever... geographically speaking they would almost be forced to go back to the Jefferson District.

Armstrong, Atlee, Hanover, Mechanicsville, Patrick Henry merge with the non-Henrico Colonial District teams? John Marshall and Thomas Jefferson?

I get Chesterfield's reasoning but an all-Chesterfield district would mean the loss of rivalries...

No Thomas Dale v. Prince George or Hopewell and what a loss in the Dinwiddie-Dale matchup.

No more Matoaca versus Dinwiddie or Matoaca versus Petersburg.

 

[EPJr1947]

Folks complain about the disparity of region size yet we will have a district that has 12 schools?

Does Henrico follow suit? Deep Run, Douglas Freeman, Glen Allen, Hermitage, JR Tucker, Mills Godwin, Henrico, Highland Springs and Varina. That's a 9-team district right there.

If Chesterfield merges into one district does Huguenot & Richmond go to the Central District? What about Powhatan? Talk about travel time... Powhatan moving to the Central District would make no sense whatsoever... geographically speaking they would almost be forced to go back to the Jefferson District.

Armstrong, Atlee, Hanover, Mechanicsville, Patrick Henry merge with the non-Henrico Colonial District teams? John Marshall and Thomas Jefferson?

I get Chesterfield's reasoning but an all-Chesterfield district would mean the loss of rivalries...

No Thomas Dale v. Prince George or Hopewell and what a loss in the Dinwiddie-Dale matchup.

No more Matoaca versus Dinwiddie or Matoaca versus Petersburg.

they would probably keep Powhatan, having a unified District don't mean they would exclude others.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

Folks complain about the disparity of region size yet we will have a district that has 12 schools?

Does Henrico follow suit? Deep Run, Douglas Freeman, Glen Allen, Hermitage, JR Tucker, Mills Godwin, Henrico, Highland Springs and Varina. That's a 9-team district right there.

If Chesterfield merges into one district does Huguenot & Richmond go to the Central District? What about Powhatan? Talk about travel time... Powhatan moving to the Central District would make no sense whatsoever... geographically speaking they would almost be forced to go back to the Jefferson District.

Armstrong, Atlee, Hanover, Mechanicsville, Patrick Henry merge with the non-Henrico Colonial District teams? John Marshall and Thomas Jefferson?

I get Chesterfield's reasoning but an all-Chesterfield district would mean the loss of rivalries...

No Thomas Dale v. Prince George or Hopewell and what a loss in the Dinwiddie-Dale matchup.

No more Matoaca versus Dinwiddie or Matoaca versus Petersburg.

Everyone tends to think about district matchups, (required), strictly in terms of football. Sure, a few football games each season with a lengthy travel distance is no big deal. But what about that same travel distance playing out over an entire school year covering a myriad of other sports? Specifically, somebody like Powhatan joining the Central District. And how about if Mecklenburg joins the CD? (Eventually, a likely probability). A quick little 80 mile commute, “one way” on a Tuesday night/school night for a game or match.

Chesterfield will put forth some type of
“convincing” argument for how great their super district would be.

I declare bull ****. It will be a move strictly for economics, at the cost of mutilating a broad and educational athletic experience for their kids. I see the idea as nothing less than inbreeding. And my dissenting opinion of this idea hasn’t even mentioned the hardships that creating this Chesterfield District would cause for the affected districts.

It’s a selfish idea by a selfish county.

 

[Virginia HS Football Fan]

Folks complain about the disparity of region size yet we will have a district that has 12 schools?

Does Henrico follow suit? Deep Run, Douglas Freeman, Glen Allen, Hermitage, JR Tucker, Mills Godwin, Henrico, Highland Springs and Varina. That's a 9-team district right there.

If Chesterfield merges into one district does Huguenot & Richmond go to the Central District? What about Powhatan? Talk about travel time... Powhatan moving to the Central District would make no sense whatsoever... geographically speaking they would almost be forced to go back to the Jefferson District.

Armstrong, Atlee, Hanover, Mechanicsville, Patrick Henry merge with the non-Henrico Colonial District teams? John Marshall and Thomas Jefferson?

I get Chesterfield's reasoning but an all-Chesterfield district would mean the loss of rivalries...

No Thomas Dale v. Prince George or Hopewell and what a loss in the Dinwiddie-Dale matchup.

No more Matoaca versus Dinwiddie or Matoaca versus Petersburg.

If we keep schools from different classifications in the same district, then you could do two six-team Chesterfield districts. And then the grownups (if there are any at the schools) will have to get together and figure out which teams should be in which districts to preserve rivalries or whatever, and present that to the VHSL. The good thing about a six team district with other teams in the county also in a six team district, that there should be no issues when finding OOD games. And then the travel argument becomes moot.

For a nine team district as mentioned with Henrico, that's not awful. You only need to find two OOD games there.

Blow the thing up. Arrange districts by classification size. Yes, it will spread teams out from the same county into multiple districts (not as bad of an issue if you move from a six class system to a five class system...or better yet a four class system. But there are ways to ensure many of the rivalries are kept, even if they become OOD games.