More than a Building: Channel FEI Uproar Into Ongoing Support for Public Schools
Statement by Charlottesville United for Public Education on FEI Building Acquisition
May 13, 2025 — Thank you to everyone who has spoken up around the Federal Executive Institute (FEI) property acquisition. Despite the deep frustrations and heated exchanges, an organization like Charlottesville United for Public Education (CUPE) finds it refreshing to see so many people advocating for Charlottesville City Schools (CCS). It’s a reflection of how important Charlottesville’s public schools are to this community, and we ask that it not stop with a single building.
Over the last few weeks since the words “Federal Executive Institute” entered mainstream conversation in Charlottesville, we’ve experienced quite a bit of miscommunication, speculation and whiplash that have undoubtedly left many of us confused and angry. UVA, the City of Charlottesville, and CCS — and ultimately the federal Department of Education — can answer questions and field complaints about the process, transparency or lack thereof. Hopefully we can identify ways to more effectively and thoughtfully engage the Charlottesville community on matters of this magnitude.
We can feel frustrated, but let’s not lose sight of the fact that UVA has made steps to partner with CCS and the city. From supporting local educational efforts to collaborating on research and programming, they’ve started to show up. We can leverage this moment to call for a deepening of that partnership, not burn bridges over misinformation and missed opportunities - nor can we let UVA think that it has done enough.
And if you are feeling strong emotions, good! Let’s use that energy to demand structural change: equitable funding for public schools, sustainable investment in school infrastructure, and real transparency from every level of government involved in these decisions.
Our kids need way more than this building. And these are things they've needed before conversations about this building began. They need working HVAC systems and updated facilities, responsive curriculum, fairly compensated staff who aren’t burned out, mental health supports, enrichment opportunities, and after school programming that reflect our community’s brilliance, the list goes on.
So if you’ve been passionate enough to show up in recent days and weeks, we ask that you find a way to light that fire every day. Here are some suggestions:
Advocate: Engage in conversations and initiatives that support our local public schools. This means attending and speaking up at School Board and City Council meetings and writing and calling local, state and federal elected officials and decision makers. Things are especially active during budget season and the General Assembly every winter, but there are opportunities to speak up year round.
Mentor: Consider becoming a mentor for students in Charlottesville City Schools. Your guidance and support can significantly impact a student's educational journey and personal development. Learn more >>
Support: School PTOs work hard to appreciate and support teachers and other school staff. Consider volunteering or donating supplies or cash to support their efforts.
Volunteer: Sign up to become a trained volunteer with Charlottesville City Schools. Whether it's assisting in classrooms, organizing extracurricular activities, or supporting administrative tasks, your time and skills are highly valued. Volunteer training may be required. Learn more >>
Substitute: Charlottesville City Schools, like many school divisions, are in need of more substitute teachers to fill the gap when our teachers take a sick day or are otherwise unable to come to school. Learn more >>
Engage: Participate in or organize drives to collect school supplies, books, or other resources that can benefit students and teachers in Charlottesville City Schools.