School Board Votes to Repurpose T. C. Miller Elementary, Rezone Select Neighborhoods


Interim Superintendent Dr. Copeland presented a four phased approach to improve efficiency and optimize resources within the school division starting in the 2025-2026 school year. The school board voted to proceed with Phase 1 and pause on the remaining phases until after the new Superintendent is hired and able to weigh in.


Phase 1

Closure of T. C. Miller (TCM) as a K-5 School

  • At the close of the 2024-2025 school year, T.C. Miller will no longer operate as a k-5 Elementary school.
  • Zoned students will be assigned to Perrymont Elementary or R. S. Payne Elementary (RSP) next school year.
  • Students who attend as part of the School of Innovation Invitations will attend their base zoned school


Repurposing for Pre-K & Elementary Alternative Education

  • Starting in the fall of 2025, TCM will house all Pre-K classes currently at Paul Munro, Perrymont, and RSP.
  • The Transition Alternative Program (TAP) currently at W. M. Bass Elementary (Bass) will be moved to TCM.


Select Elementary Rezoning

  • Students in the Birchwood neighborhood will be rezoned from Perrymont to Dearington Elementary (DESI).
  • Students in the Florida Ave/Winston Ridge neighborhood currently attending Heritage Elementary will be rezoned for Bass

FAQ (from LCS Website)


Why is this being considered?

Since we have fewer elementary-aged children now compared to prior years, repurposing a school and shifting select programs makes sense so that we best utilize our resources. Implementing the changes for the 2025-26 school year could save LCS approximately one million dollars and allow us to provide the best educational and instructional opportunities with the resources we have.


Will this plan lead to overcrowding in classrooms?

LCS remains committed to small class sizes, especially in early grades. The class size guidance varies from school to school, as determined by VDOE guidelines.


Will this impact Pre-K at the Hutcherson Early Learning Center?

No, Hutcherson will still serve Pre-K students. Repurposing T. C. Miller will, however, provide the opportunity to balance Early Childhood Special Education classrooms between Hutcherson and T. C. Miller. 


Where will T. C. Miller staff go next year?

Generally, staff will either be reassigned in the division or will serve the Pre-K or Elementary Alternative Education programs at T. C. Miller. There is typically enough turnover in the division each year due to retirements and other reasons, so there will likely be room to make reassignments, as needed.


Rest of the Proposal


Phase 2 (2025-2028)
  • Decide on & complete elementary renovations/improvements, add gyms, & determine if classroom additions are needed for future second elementary closure
  • Plan & complete additional select rezoning to build towards Close to Home Zoning and leverage renovated spaces, specific focus on satellite zones with long transportation times


Phase 3 (projected 2028-2029 school year)
  • Complete second elementary closure
  • Convert site into consolidated secondary alternative education school
  • Complete final phase of elementary rezoning


Phase 4 (implemented 2029-2030 school year)
  • Convert Fort Hill Community School to elementary alternative education site by moving classes from TCM
  • Add additional Pre-K classes at TCM & Hutcherson as space allows through consolidation of alternative education