School board approves student-yield study contract with TischlerBise for $76,200

The Isle of Wight County School Board voted March 13 to select TischlerBise to perform a student-yield analysis aimed at projecting future student population growth and site criteria for potential new schools or additions. Board members approved the vendor selection after staff described six planned tasks, including data acquisition, residential subdivision mapping and preparation of projection scenarios.

The study’s cost was identified in the meeting as $76,200. Dr. Coleman, the division’s operations lead, said the firm was chosen from three respondents and that the study will “assist with the preparation of the subdivision yield analysis.” Board members and staff said the research will complement a countywide growth study under way and facilitate coordination with the Board of Supervisors on future school siting, rezoning and capacity needs.

Board members voted to approve the selection. Board discussion noted the price and that staff will meet with the division’s CFO to determine funding sources; Dr. Coleman said staff had “preliminary discussions about funding” and that the division has a plan to move forward if the contract is approved. One board member asked for the cost to be visible to the public; staff read the total during the meeting.

The contract was introduced as an action item and approved by recorded vote with board members Mister Cunningham, Missus Perkins, Mister Wooster and Mister Marsh voting yes. Dr. Kramer, the superintendent, and Dr. Coleman said they will keep the board informed and coordinate with county officials as the study proceeds.

Why it matters: the student-yield analysis is intended to give the school division and county data to plan for new school locations, capacity additions and rezoning decisions as housing development proceeds.

What’s next: staff will finalize funding details with the CFO and initiate project kickoff and data collection with the selected vendor.