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Board hears FY27–31 capital plan priorities: roofs, elementary renovations, stadium turf and restroom upgrades
Summary
Acting Superintendent Michael Phillips presented a draft five‑year capital improvement plan covering FY27–31, outlining major projects including elementary school renovations funded by a bond, phased high‑school roof replacement, a turf/turf‑alternatives study for the softball field and restroom/concession upgrades at the stadium.
Acting Superintendent Michael Phillips presented the City of Fairfax School Board with the draft capital improvement program (CIP) for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 on Oct. 6 and opened a public hearing as required for review. The presentation covered ongoing maintenance, a change moving recurring maintenance requests from the CIP to the operating budget, and several capital projects planned over the five‑year horizon.
Key projects and timing: Phillips outlined that work already funded in FY26 will move into action in FY27 and beyond. The elementary school renovations tied to the voter‑approved bond will ramp up in FY27 and reach substantial spending in FY29–30, he said. The high school roof replacement is planned in phases beginning in FY28 and continuing into FY32. A turf replacement for the Fairfax High School stadium field is anticipated in the next few years; Phillips said turf testing and annual safety checks continue and that the school division is reviewing turf and grass alternatives.
Facilities and operating changes: Phillips said the city budget team will move ongoing maintenance items (carpet/tile, concrete repairs, painting, paving, roof warranties) into the operating budget going forward; the school division presented those items in the CIP for continuity at this meeting. He also described a stadium concession‑area restroom modification project intended to improve visitor‑side access and provide ADA upgrades.
Parks and Recreation turf responsibility: Board members asked about the transfer of turf replacement responsibility from Parks and Recreation to the schools. Phillips said the transfer is a budgetary reallocation rather than a new request; historically Parks and Recreation funded turf replacement when field use was majority Parks & Rec, and now high‑school activities dominate. He said existing maintenance funds remain available and the departments expect to coordinate on costs and operations.
Budget context and questions: Board members raised inflation and cost escalation concerns and sought clarification on how bond funds and contingency were reflected. Phillips said cost escalation was considered during bond planning and noted remaining funds from prior appropriations will continue to be available for unexpected needs. Commissioners and staff discussed phasing on the roof replacement (warranty expirations and scheduled phases) and whether HVAC would be added; Phillips said the CIP is a draft and staff will return with more detail.
Ending: Phillips said a second public hearing on the CIP will be held Nov. 3 and the board may take action later in the fall. No formal CIP vote was taken Oct. 6; the public hearing at the meeting drew no speakers.
