Subject: FY 2023-2027 Capital Improvement Program
Staff Contact: Jeffrey Platenberg, assistant superintendent, Facilities and Transportation Services
Other Staff Present: Marty Smith, chief operating officer
Justin Moss, director, Office of Facilities Management
Heather Diez, assistant director, Office of Design and Construction
Brian Schoester, coordinator III, Office of Facilities Planning Services
Pranita Ranbhise, coordinator III, Office of Facilities Planning Services
Meeting Category: February 10, 2022 – Regular Meeting
School Board Action Required: Action
Ignite Link: Goal 4 – Resource Stewardship
Outcome:
The FCPS Capital Improvement Program (CIP) includes an annual review of the current student membership and facilities data to determine future capital requirements for new construction, capacity enhancements, and facility renovations. The CIP includes the development of a five-year membership projection set, ongoing facility capacity evaluations, an annual update to the schedule and funding of capital projects, and a facilities management program.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact resulting in a decline in student membership within CIP Planning from 188,236 in school year (SY) 2019-20 to 179,542 in SY 2020-21 and continuing to decline in SY 2021-22 with 177,931 students. The future impact of the overall decline in membership within CIP Planning of 10,305 students since SY 2019-20 will depend on many factors, including the future course of the pandemic and economic conditions.
The Proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-27 CIP identifies current and anticipated funding for the following capital projects within the five-year timeframe:
New School Construction: Dunn Loring Elementary School (funded), Silver Line Elementary School (partially funded), and Western High School (unfunded).
Capacity Enhancements: Additions at West Potomac, Justice, and Madison high schools (funded).
Renovations: 10 elementary, three middle, and two high schools (funded); seven elementary and one high school (partially funded); and eight elementary and two middle schools (unfunded).
Site Acquisition: Western High School (funded).
Summary/Background:
The FCPS CIP is a planning and fiscal management tool used to coordinate the location, timing, and funding of capital projects over five years. The CIP is updated annually to reflect changing conditions within our schools and communities and builds upon the previously approved program of capital expenditures. The CIP project schedule assumes the continuation of an annual limit of $180 million (M) of General Obligation Bonds by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors (FCBOS), with an increase of $25M in FY 2023 and FY 2024 followed by an increase of $50M beginning in FY 2025, for a total of $230M annually in future years. School construction projects approved in the November 2021 School Bond Referendum are included in this CIP as funded projects.
FCPS annually produces a five-year membership projection set and collects classroom use information that is used for facilities planning and updating the schedule of capital projects included in the CIP. However, last year a five-year projection and an assessment of facilities were not included in the CIP due to the changing conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic and a virtual start to school.
The Capital Construction Cash Flow (Cash Flow) is updated annually to show current and anticipated funding for capital projects planned in the next 10-years. Capital projects reflect the reality that Fairfax County continues to urbanize, and the total number of housing units is expected to rise. FCPS is monitoring new residential development for the potential impact of future school-aged children on membership numbers. In addition to new housing, capital projects reflect other factors that influence changes in membership and capacity, including the county birth to kindergarten ratio and the migration or transfer of students.
Recommendation:
Approval of the Proposed FCPS FY 2023-27 Capital Improvement Program.
Attachments:
Proposed FY 2023-27 CIP
Abbreviated Proposed FY 2023-27 CIP Presentation
Revised Proposed FY 2023-27 CIP Presentation V2
Board member proposed Follow On Motions
1. I move to direct the Superintendent to execute the appropriate professional services contract for the purpose of identifying and presenting to the SB for consideration and concurrence a location (new, existing FCPS, or any other appropriate property) for the Western High School so that site may be included in the FY2024-28 CIP. (Cohen/Pekarsky)
2. I move to direct the Superintendent to conduct an assessment and report to the Board by November 1, 2022, regarding: FCPS facilities’ capabilities to support meeting best practices for school nutrition services, which includes, in part, preparing fresh meals on-site; the status of the addition of daily salad bars in schools; and a recommendation on whether the school division’s Ed Specs will need to be updated to meet school nutrition best practices. (Meren/Corbett Sanders)
3. I move to direct the superintendent to include and implement a plan for the additional $32.9M dollars that may become available from the state for facilities projects. The plan is needed so that work can begin immediately upon receipt of the funds in July, 2022. The plan should include work on safety concerns, bringing older facilities up to the current educational specifications to include but not be limited to privacy in bathrooms, provision of outdoor classroom spaces and spaces needed to enhance the health and wellness of our students and staff. (Tholen/Corbett Sanders)