Realignment Plan Means Schools to Switch Classifications

Deep Creek is headed to a higher classification, while Bayside, Cox, First Colonial and Granby will drop a level under a realignment plan approved this week by the Virginia High School League.

The changes — based on school enrollment figures from March — go into effect beginning with the 2019-20 school year.

Schools can appeal their placement at a hearing August 21 at the VHSL's office in Charlottesville. No area schools are expected to appeal.

The proposal was released last month, and the VHSL's alignment committed approved the plan this week.

Granby currently resides in Class 6, but the Comets would move to Class 5 in 2019-20. The Norfolk school's enrollment in grades 9-12 is 1,947 students, making Granby the largest school in Class 5.

Deep Creek, meanwhile, is now in Class 4, but the Hornets would move to Class 5 with an enrollment of 1,605 students in grades 9-12. Deep Creek would be one of the smallest schools in Class 5.

Enrollments for Bayside (1,936), First Colonial (1,831) and Cox (1,819) — all currently in Class 6 — would be among the largest schools in Class 5.

Four Peninsula District schools also would change classification: Hampton, Menchville and Warwick drop from Class 5 to Class 4, and Woodside falls from Class 6 to Class 5.

The reclassification also impacts postseason competition. Hampton Roads schools compete in Region A tournaments, and Class 5 Region A would become the largest in the state with 18 schools. Class 6 Region A has 14 schools.

Read More of Today's AB Headlines

Subscribe to Our Daily E-Newsletter