5th grade students reading to kindergarten students

On Wednesday, January 14, Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) presented the proposed 2027–31 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) during a School Board work session. The CIP outlines the division’s plans for future facility projects, including the construction of new schools, expansions and renovations to existing buildings, the installation of new features, and major maintenance and repair work.

One of the most significant considerations before the School Board is whether to move forward with construction of the previously planned 14th high school. Together, rising construction costs and declining enrollment provide important context as the School Board evaluates the 14th high school project within the division’s long-term planning and fiscal priorities.

Over the past year, the estimated cost of the project has increased from $223.8 million to approximately $352 million—an increase of $128.2 million. These cost changes, confirmed by three independent estimators, are the result of site conditions that require mitigation and increased labor costs.

At the same time, PWCS continues to monitor enrollment trends and is projecting a decline in student enrollment. This decrease is attributed to lower birth rates since 2016, increased family relocation out of Prince William County, increased housing costs decreasing the anticipated student yield, and a population aging in place.

Over the next five years, divisionwide enrollment is expected to decline by 3,177 students, with projections indicating nearly twice that decline over the following five years. At the high school level, capacity projections show a surplus of 3,601 available seats by 2035, including the 1,400 new seats associated with the 14th high school.

If a decision is reached to move forward without the 14th high school, those funds will instead support other priorities, such as constructing two regional robotics centers to serve the east and west sides of the county, completing LED lighting upgrades at additional schools, making building automation improvements, and addressing other needs. Even with these investments, the future cost-avoidance in not building the 14th high school will total more than $256 million.

“It’s important for the public to understand the challenges our school division is facing. Regardless of whether a 14th high school is built, we will need to adjust school boundaries to address capacity issues. These are not easy decisions, and we’re being very thoughtful and deliberate as we move forward. Hearing from our families and community is an important part of this process, and I remain open to all options that support student learning and ensure our schools are used wisely," said Dr. Babur Lateef, School Board Chairman At-Large.

Beyond the discussion of the 14th high school, the CIP incorporates the renovation in progress at Vaughan Elementary School, which includes installing geothermal wells. The circular style wings of the building are being torn down and replaced with square/rectangular classrooms/support spaces. The division shared that this project should be completed sometime in 2029.

Dale City Elementary School will receive a renovation and addition with a completion date scheduled for some time in 2031. Renovations are also underway or anticipated to begin by FY 2027 at Graham Park, Fred M. Lynn, and Woodbridge Middle Schools. Brentsville District High School is in the design phase of its renovation with the expected construction start in FY 2027. Hampton Middle School is next in queue for a major renovation, which will include a full renovation of the existing building and an added main entry/office addition.

Classroom additions are also planned at Pennington Traditional School, The Nokesville School, Marsteller Middle School, and Washington-Reid Preschool Center.

Artificial turf installations, along with roof replacements and repairs, are planned at multiple middle and high schools. Additionally, dozens of schools are scheduled to receive energy efficiency and sustainability upgrades, including LED lighting, solar panels, and outdoor learning environments.

No decisions have been finalized at this time. Superintendent Dr. LaTanya D. McDade will present the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Budget, including the CIP, at a School Board meeting in February and provide an opportunity for community feedback before the Board votes on the plan in March. To view the CIP presentation and review the CIP planning timeline, please visit this link.