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Virginia Board reviews draft changes to school construction assistance guidelines to expand eligibility, lower project thresholds
Summary
VDOE proposed multiple changes to the School Construction Assistance Program (SCAP) guidelines to spread awards more broadly: allow school‑based CTE projects, lower the minimum project size to $500,000 for single‑school projects, adjust scoring to help marginally eligible divisions, and add reporting and five‑year use requirements.
The Virginia Department of Education presented first review revisions to the School Construction Assistance Program (SCAP) guidelines that would widen eligibility and adjust scoring to help divisions just below prior thresholds qualify for funding.
Chief Operations Officer Christina Berta outlined key proposed changes: permit school‑based CTE projects that align with the state's high‑demand criteria (in addition to regional CTE projects); allow divisions to apply for up to three projects in one application period (with awards prioritized to each division's highest scoring project); reduce the per‑school project minimum from $1 million to $500,000; and allow aggregated projects (multiple schools) to qualify at a $1 million threshold. VDOE will also adjust point allocations for the poor‑condition building score, local composite index, poverty percentage and debt capacity to help more rural and small divisions meet the 65‑point eligibility cut.
Berta said VDOE will add a reporting requirement for awardees so the agency can track project status and reimbursements. The draft would require SCAP‑funded buildings to remain open for at least five years and aligns reimbursement calendar dates to the fiscal year to avoid accounting delays.
Board members asked how VDOE would ensure projects serve current students — not buildings slated for closure — and whether the changes would encourage repurposing unused spaces. VDOE said it will require reporting and can consider phased financing, refinancing or scope adjustments tied to enrollment triggers. Members suggested increasing the points for divisions that have not previously received SCAP money to better ‘‘spread the wealth.’’
Board members did not take final action; staff said the draft will be revised based on today’s input and released for division comment ahead of a future vote.
Ending: VDOE will draft changes for public review and consider options to build in flexible loan structures and clearer reporting to ensure funds support active, sustainable school facilities.
