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Fairfax County Public Schools is proposing two new elementary schools and renovations at 22 existing schools as aging infrastructure, rising construction costs and deferred maintenance place pressure on the division’s facilities.
The projects are included in FCPS’ proposed fiscal 2026-30 Capital Improvement Program. The plan also covers capacity improvements and the relocation of modular buildings. Renovations are proposed for 18 elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools.
FCPS updates the program annually to reflect changing infrastructure needs, construction costs and project schedules. Superintendent Michelle Reid said the division is working to maximize available resources while preserving taxpayers’ investments in local schools.
Virginia school divisions rely heavily on voter-approved bonds instead of state allocations to pay for construction. FCPS said it receives less capital construction funding than nearby school districts, contributing to a growing maintenance backlog that could lead to expensive emergency repairs.
The nation’s ninth-largest school district maintains building space equal to roughly four Pentagons while serving more than 180,000 students.
School facilities also host extensive community activity. About 500,000 events unaffiliated with FCPS take place on its properties each year. Local nonprofit religious and cultural organizations hold an average of 91 events per week, while Fairfax County Park Authority camps, classes and Rec-Pac programs use approximately 80 schools.
Fairfax County’s School Age Child Care program operates at 142 schools, and 169 schools and centers serve as polling places during elections. FCPS also allows organizations including 4-H, scouting groups, cultural and civic associations, and homeowners associations to use facilities at no cost.
Janice Szymanski, FCPS’ chief of facilities services and capital programs, said the buildings support education while also serving as gathering places for groups across the county.
The proposal continues the division’s work toward goals developed by the Fairfax County Joint Environmental Task Force. Its planning and budget provisions include more net-zero energy practices designed to minimize energy consumption and, in some cases, produce enough power to meet or exceed a building’s operational needs.
The program incorporates funding from the 2023 bond referendum and earlier voter-approved measures. FCPS continues to monitor inflation and supply-chain problems, with renovation schedules adjusted through annual updates.
A new ranking of future renovation projects remains in the early stages of development and is expected to be included in later capital programs. New facilities are also expected to reflect current research and practices for safe, effective learning environments.
County voters will have an opportunity to consider additional bond funding for school projects in November 2025.
The proposal was presented during a Jan. 14 work session. A public hearing took place that day at Luther Jackson Middle School, with action on the capital program scheduled for Feb. 6.