City of Fairfax 2024 School Bond Referendum
Planning for the Future of the City of Fairfax Schools
While the City of Fairfax Schools are a point of pride in our community, our schools have pressing facility needs that we must address. Our buildings have been well maintained over the years. However, certain critical and other building systems will have reached the end of their useful life over the next decade—if not sooner.
The Question
Shall the City of Fairfax, Virginia, contract a debt, borrow money, and issue its general obligation bonds in the maximum aggregate principal amount of $220,000,000 to provide funds, together with other funds, to undertake a program of capital improvement projects for the public school system of the City, and to fund the cost of issuing such bonds?
Our Needs
The City School Board adopted a five-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) that identifies priorities for new construction, renovations and other capital facility projects. The current CIP prioritizes spending to address urgent facility needs at Daniels Run Elementary School and Providence Elementary School, and replacement of the roof at Fairfax High School.
In approving the CIP, the City School Board was motivated by the following guiding principles for our schools:
· Enhance Safety and Security Measures: Implement modern security systems, secure entryways, and protocols to enhance the safety of students and staff.
· Improve Learning Environments: Renovate classrooms to create engaging and conducive spaces for effective collaboration, teaching and learning. Create flexible learning spaces that can adapt to various teaching methodologies and accommodate diverse learning styles and prepare students for the future.
· Upgrade Classroom Technology: Install up-to-date technology infrastructure to support digital learning and enhance educational opportunities.
· Modernize Infrastructure: Replace aging heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to improve energy efficiency and indoor air quality.
· Increase Energy Efficiency: Implement energy-saving measures such as LED lighting and energy-efficient appliances to reduce operational costs and environmental impact.
· Provide Accessible Facilities: Upgrade facilities to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, improving equitable access for all students and staff.
· Address Structural Issues: Repair structural deficiencies and enhance the integrity and safety of school buildings for years to come.
· Improved Parking and Traffic Flow: Enhance parking lots and traffic circulation to improve efficient drop-off and pick-up procedures for parents and guardians. Address pedestrian safety and site access.
· Improve Learning Environments: Renovate classrooms to create engaging and conducive spaces for effective collaboration, teaching and learning. Create flexible learning spaces that can adapt to various teaching methodologies and accommodate diverse learning styles and prepare students for the future.
· Upgrade Classroom Technology: Install up-to-date technology infrastructure to support digital learning and enhance educational opportunities.
· Modernize Infrastructure: Replace aging heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to improve energy efficiency and indoor air quality.
· Increase Energy Efficiency: Implement energy-saving measures such as LED lighting and energy-efficient appliances to reduce operational costs and environmental impact.
· Provide Accessible Facilities: Upgrade facilities to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, improving equitable access for all students and staff.
· Address Structural Issues: Repair structural deficiencies and enhance the integrity and safety of school buildings for years to come.
· Improved Parking and Traffic Flow: Enhance parking lots and traffic circulation to improve efficient drop-off and pick-up procedures for parents and guardians. Address pedestrian safety and site access.
The City School Board expressed its desire to undertake these projects to enhance our school facilities continue to support the high-quality educational experience we expect for our students.
Proposed Funding
Major capital projects for schools are not typically financed through the school system’s operating funds but rather through long-term financing that spreads the costs of such projects over the years during which the facilities are used.The City School Board requested, and the City Council agreed, to undertake the process to place a bond referendum on the ballot for Tuesday, November 5, 2024. The bond referendum asks the voters whether the City should issue up to $220 million aggregate principal amount of general obligation bonds and use the proceeds to finance a program of capital improvement projects for the City’s public schools. Based on the current CIP, the City School Board anticipates that such funding will be applied to costs associated with renovating both elementary schools and replacing the FHS roof.
