The alignment committee of the Virginia High School Association has recommended a new alignment plan beginning with the 2023-24 academic year. Among the changes, if approved, would be Riverheads jumping from Class 1 to Class 2 and Fort Defiance dropping from Class 3 to Class 2.
Schools can appeal the placement in writing by Monday, August 8.
The recommended changes would also place Alleghany High School in the Shenandoah district, bringing the district’s membership to eight schools. Alleghany County and Covington County recently merged their school divisions.
Riverheads would be the third-smallest school in Class 2 according to average daily membership numbers (ADM) provided by the VHSL.
If the changes are approved, Buffalo Gap would be the only Class 1 school in the Shenandoah district, while Riverheads and Fort would join Stuarts Draft in Class 2. Wilson Memorial, Staunton, Waynesboro and Alleghany would be Class 3.
Virginia’s public schools have six classifications for athletics, with the smallest schools based on enrollment playing in Class 1 and the largest in Class 6. The remainder is split between grades 2-5. If approved, the current recommendation would run through the 2026-27 season.
More:The rental market in Staunton is still chaotic, but a few phone calls can minimize the headache.
More:Money in motion and solar in Staunton: Report from Staunton City Council
Patrick Hite is The News Leader’s education reporter. Story ideas and tips are always welcome. Contact Patrick (he/him/his) at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @Patrick_Hite. Subscribe to us at newsleader.com
