The Fairfax County School Board on Dec. 18 approved language directing the superintendent to seek a global resolution to Floor Area Ratio (FAR) issues that affect multiple FCPS schools, a step prompted by a stalled Centerville High School renovation tied to zoning and park-authority property rights.

The board considered a motion to authorize the superintendent to negotiate terms to extend or secure property rights that would allow Centerville's planned renovation to meet county FAR requirements. Mr. Dunn proposed an amendment to handle FAR issues on a countywide basis rather than treating Centerville as an isolated case; proponents argued a global approach would be more efficient and would address similar constraints for other RC (residential conservation) properties across the division.

After debate and secondary amendments to clarify that final agreements would return to the board for approval, the board voted to adopt the amended language directing staff to "seek to achieve a global resolution of FAR issues affecting" relevant schools and to prepare documentation for board consideration. Board members emphasized coordination with the county executive, the Fairfax County Park Authority and legal counsel.

Separately, a motion by Mr. McElveen to rescind the board's prior decision to sunset the Facilities Planning Advisory Council (FPAC) drew lengthy discussion. A secondary amendment to reinstate previous FPAC governance language was put to a vote and resulted in a 5-5 tie. Under Virginia code, that tie means the matter will be deferred to the next meeting and will return for further consideration.

Board members and advocates pointed to FPAC's expertise in construction, architecture and facilities assessment and urged a careful process if the board intends to reconstitute or reform advisory bodies. Staff and legal counsel said they would bring back language and financial implications as necessary before any final execution of agreements.

The FAR-resolution motion is intended to create a coordinated approach so multiple renovation projects will not stall on similar zoning constraints; any specific lease or purchase documents will be brought back to the board for final approval.