Referendum - How Did We Get Here?

1997:  Fairfax City consolidated four elementary schools into two renovated schools (now Daniels Run ES and Providence ES). The two elementary schools have not received any major renovations since the consolidation.

 

2004: The City approved a school bond referendum to update Katherine Johnson MS (then Lanier MS) and Fairfax HS. The two elementary schools were not part of this referendum. 

 

2023: Fairfax City School Board contracted with Moseley Architects to provide a comprehensive Facilities Condition Assessment (FCA) for our four public school buildings and the Green Acres building.  To see the FCA documents, please visit our website. The purpose of the FCA was to obtain current data that accurately reflects the physical and operational conditions of the City public schools' facilities and to provide the City School Board with a sound long-range financial planning framework. The FCA outlined structural issues with the two elementary schools, modular classrooms, and identified opportunities for improved safety and educational features. In addition, the FCA recognized that the warranty covering phases/sections of the roof at Fairfax HS will be ending. Currently, the roof is under warranty until 2032; however, such warranty covers only minor leaks, not full replacement.

2024: Before voting to request the bond referendum, the City School Board and City Council heard presentations regarding the following School CIP needs:
- In the next few years, immediate needs and major improvements at Daniels Run ES and Providence ES are required for continued use of the buildings.
- Sections of the roof at Fairfax HS are approaching the end of warranty periods and will need to be replaced.
- Delaying the needed renovations will increase the total cost due to inflation and rising building costs.

 

In March, the City School Board adopted a consideration for adoption of a bond resolution. See here for resolution. 

 

In June, the City School Board passed a resolution requesting the city council of the City of Fairfax authorize the issuance of general obligation school bonds in the maximum principal amount of $220,000,000. 

 

In June, the City Council introduced the ordinance of a school referendum. (see here for staff report and presentation). A public hearing was held on June 25, 2024. (see here for staff report and motion)

 

For a complete timeline of the referendum process, please see the staff presentation made to the City Council in June, 2024.