Board reviews 2026 capital-improvement priorities; approves Hanley lease and selects architect for Corals study

The Winchester Public Schools board reviewed a first draft of its capital improvement plan and approved two agenda actions tied to district facilities at its Nov. 24 regular meeting.

Facilities staff presented the CIP draft as a road map for capital needs, noting that the document summarizes facilities, debt held by the city on the district’s behalf, enrollment projections and budget estimates. Presenter Mr. Smith said many figures in the draft are budget numbers and not final construction costs. He described funding bands: carryforward projects typically $50,000–$500,000, pay-as-you-go projects $500,000–$2,000,000, and multi‑million projects commonly funded by bonds.

Key projects in the three‑year outlook include a Corals (Garland Falls) elementary campus study moving from concept to design, an expected roughly $1,000,000 repair for sections of the Daniel Morgan roof, fencing and security work at Daniel Morgan, Patsy Cline Theater repairs, and long-term items such as a future Hanley turf replacement. Smith said the city has set aside funding for the Corals study.

On separate action items, the board approved a consolidated lease arrangement with the Hanley Trust covering Hanley High School, the Shahad Innovation Center and adjacent land. The motion to approve the lease "in the form substantially similar to the form presented" was moved by Miss Harris and seconded by Miss Burrow/Barrow; the board approved it by voice vote.

The board also voted to select VMDO Architects (firm reported in the presentation) to complete the Corals/Garland Falls campus study. Mr. Smith said eight proposals were received and three finalists interviewed; VMDO was recommended based on prior district work. The estimated cost for the study was given as approximately $432,000 (a budget number) and Smith stated it would not exceed the $500,000 city-funded allocation.

The board approved a consent agenda earlier in the meeting that included minutes, bills, the monthly finance report, facility usage, program and board appointment items, policy revisions, bus purchases and the 2026 meeting schedule; that consent agenda passed on a motion by Mister Eiland with a second from Mister Birchenough.

The board concluded the open session by voting to retire into closed session under the Code of Virginia to discuss personnel and probable litigation matters; the citation was read aloud during the motion.

Next steps: Mr. Smith will return with the CIP for final approval at the Dec. 8 meeting and staff will continue to refine budget figures and project descriptions.