Facing Shortfall, School Board to Review Projects

Henrico County’s School Board will face tough choices this week as members determine priorities for the annual Capital Improvement Program. With projected shortfalls of nearly $100 million for previously planned projects, the board may have to rethink the timing and scope of projects or even eliminate some.

The public is invited to comment at the board’s work session at 9 a.m. Thursday at the Glen Echo building, 3810 Nine Mile Road.

The Capital Improvement Program, which is separate from the annual budget, is a long-term planning process, providing design and construction funding for new facilities and additions and renovations to existing ones.

Funding sources for capital improvements include general obligation and Virginia Public School Authority bonds, lottery funds, school construction monies and the general fund.

In December, the previous School Board approved the fiscal year 2008-09 plan, reflecting anticipated infrastructure needs for the school system of $556.8 million for the next five years. These include several new schools and additions and renovations to existing ones.

Also in December, Superintendent Fred Morton IV presented a list of potential funding shortfalls for approved general-obligation bond projects totaling $140 million. That figure was lowered to $95 million after the Board of Supervisors approved a $45 million bond.

The Henrico school system has grown from 37,112 students in 1995 to 48,256 in 2008. The district expects to add 13,244 students in the next 12 years, according to Penny Blumenthal, the system’s director of research and planning.

To handle the increase, new schools and classrooms top the list of priorities. Harvie Elementary opens this fall, around the same time the board begins redistricting for a middle and high school scheduled to open in 2010.

“I am glad we’re closely examining this,” said Lamont Bagby, Fairfield District representative. “I want to be able to let the Board of Supervisors know what desperately needs to be done, what we want done and what would be the icing on the cake.”

Board members will need to identify funds to support land acquisitions for projects identified through 2019.

But many of the county’s schools are aging and in need of renovation; most are on a 50-year renovation cycle. Five elementary schools have been identified as needing classroom additions. Other facilities need basic upgrades such as hot water in restrooms or parking-lot improvements.

The School Board will be asked to approve the capital budget during its September meeting. It must be approved by the Board of Supervisors this fall.

– Contact Lisa Crutchfield at (804) 649-6362 or lcrutchfield@timesdispatch.com.

Originally published by CRUTCHFIELD; Times-Dispatch Staff Writer.

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