The Fairfax City school board appears skeptical of the idea of adding tens of millions in new costs to the upcoming renovation projects for Daniels Run and Providence elementary schools.
But during a special meeting on Monday (April 13), many members also made it clear that they don’t think the existing plans for Daniels Run go far enough.
While the city has already allocated more than $160 million to provide comprehensive renovations with small new additions at both Daniels Run and Providence, building a new school or significantly upgrading the renovations would introduce delays and drive up the costs, City of Fairfax Schools Superintendent Dustin Wright told members.
“It’s my recommendation that we continue on the current path of comprehensive renovations with small additions at both elementary schools,” Wright said after presenting a breakdown of the additional expenses involved in significantly expanding the renovations or building a new school. “This approach maintains momentum, avoids delays and minimizes additional costs associated with restarting the project.”
Still, Wright recommended increasing the budget by $3 to $5 million per school “to allow for targeted enhancements.”
This appeared to be a more palatable option for several board members.
“I do strongly agree with the superintendent’s recommendation of continuing on the path that we’re on,” said school board member Amit Hickman. “I think we were very clear to the public the importance of getting these renovations started and done … We can go down that road with the current path, with the understanding that there might be some additional expenses.”
In November 2024, city voters approved a bond referendum that would allow the city to spend up to $220 million improving its schools. The city has allocated $41 million of that to a roof replacement at Fairfax High School, while the rest would fund the improvements at Providence and Daniels Run.
The total cost for the three projects is estimated at $204.3 million, with renovations at both elementary schools to be completed in 2030.
Some board members said they wanted more time to think about the designs, and what could be achieved, ahead of a work session on the renovations next week.
“We’re sticking a Band-Aid on some of this stuff, and we’re going to have to fix it down the line, sooner rather than later,” said school board member Sarah Kelsey.
“I am okay with the recommendation for Providence to move forward as is. I am not as gung-ho moving forward on Daniels Run, as is,” said Carolyn Pitches, school board chair.
Pitches expressed concern about the state of the HVAC system, describing walking into Daniels Run as “a little claustrophobic … not as open and as spacious as when you walk into Providence.”
“Could we have a different option for Daniels Run with a larger addition?” she asked. “Or … a different design and keep the Providence one as is, but look to do something a little different with Daniels Run?”
The city will host a virtual meeting for Daniels Run parents and staff at 7 p.m. tonight (April 15) to hear more about the concepts. A meeting for the Providence community will be held tomorrow (April 16).
