Renee Ewing presented the superintendent's proposed capital improvement plan for fiscal years 2027 through 2036 and the recommended five-year plan for immediate funding. "Each project presented tonight includes anticipated architectural and engineering costs, a contingency reserve and cost escalation across the 5 year period at a rate of 6 percent," Ewing said, noting how the plan flags additions and cost changes in the board packet.

Key items in the recommended five-year CIP: a proposed turf field at Cooley Field (moved into FY27 after prior deferrals), a proposed career and technical education expansion at Warhill prioritized earlier in the plan to grow in-division CTE opportunities, and deferred timing for Jamestown high school expansion into later years. The five-year subtotal presented was $107,500,000 with $5,300,000 requested from the City of Williamsburg and $102,200,000 requested from James City County.

Ewing also flagged specific cost changes: Moseley Architects' review increased the estimate for a metal roof replacement at Stonehouse by $872,000; the playground repair/replacement line was increased by $250,000 to support universal access; and field-lighting removals to support turfing Cooley Field produced a $1,000,000 decrease elsewhere in the plan. Board members asked how these changes will affect FY27 funding priorities and how redistricting and enrollment projections will be paired with the CIP.

Dr. Keever explained the rationale for advancing the Warhill expansion: to create a nearby career-and-technical hub that reduces long bus rides to New Horizons and expands local workforce pathways. Staff said estimates for projects in years 2'10 are placeholders and may change based on market forces.

Next steps: staff will present the CIP at a public hearing Nov. 18 and the board is positioned to vote on the superintendent's CIP at its Dec. 9 meeting (preceded by a joint meeting).