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Fairfax County Public Schools estimates it will need $1.1 billion over the next five years to carry out an ambitious slate of renovations, maintenance projects and new school construction.
The school system’s proposed Capital Improvement Program covers fiscal years 2027 through 2031, beginning July 1. Although the six-year plan is approved annually, funding is allocated one year at a time.
The draft accounts for inflation-driven construction costs, the acquisition and planned renovation of Western High School, and new elementary schools at Dunn Loring and near the Silver Line.
Construction on the Dunn Loring school, which will replace an administrative center on Gallows Road, remains on track to begin in fiscal 2027. Planning for the Silver Line elementary school near the Innovation Center Metro station is also proposed to start that year.
Several other projects could be removed from the anticipated funding schedule because they are not expected to occur within the next five to 10 years. Those include the proposed Pinewood Lakes early childhood education center on Route 1, a future Tysons elementary school and plans to repurpose the former Pimmit Hills and Virginia Hills school buildings.
Of the $1.1 billion needed for projects over the next five years, $505 million has already been authorized through bond referendums. Over 10 years, the estimated need grows to about $1.6 billion, with just $515 million approved so far.
A mounting maintenance backlog is adding to the pressure. FCPS is seeking to accelerate renovation and maintenance work as the backlog, currently valued at $394.5 million, continues to grow. It is projected to increase by $52.8 million next fiscal year and by $237 million over the next five fiscal years.
Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning upgrades account for roughly 60% of the existing backlog and about 62% of the projected five-year need.
Renovations are already underway at nine elementary schools, Cooper Middle School and Falls Church High School. Planning and design are expected to begin within the next five years for seven more elementary schools, Franklin and Twain middle schools, and Centreville High School.
Construction at Centreville High and Union Mill Elementary could also begin during that period.
FCPS plans to launch the third phase of a five-stage effort to install security vestibules at schools this fall.
The capital plan also projects continued enrollment declines, from approximately 177,000 students this school year to 171,000 during the 2030-31 school year.
The School Board’s first work session and public hearing on the proposal are scheduled for Tuesday. A vote is expected by Feb. 12, before the Board of Supervisors releases the county’s capital improvement plan later next month.