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The Alexandria City School Board (Board) has approved the 10-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget of $282,272,900 for fiscal years 2027-36. This budget allocates $24,949,500 for Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27), centering on maintaining and improving existing school buildings to preserve their long-term usefulness and value to the community.
In the years ahead, the plan shifts toward capacity-focused projects to optimize space across middle school programs, ensuring Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) can proactively respond to future instructional and utilization needs.
Funding is structured to advance the Jefferson-Houston and Patrick Henry conversion projects, with the modernization of Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology scheduled for a subsequent funding period to align with middle school capacity needs and overall capital priorities. Additionally, the budget supports modernization of the transportation facility, a critical investment in maintaining safe and sustainable transportation operations for our students.
Grounded in enrollment projections and facility condition assessments, the Board has emphasized a forward-looking approach to capital planning that addresses both facility longevity, capacity needs and adheres to fiscal guidance set by the City of Alexandria.
The approved budget reflects this by dedicating resources to maintain safe, adaptable learning environments, while supporting the phased conversions of kindergarten through eighth grade (K-8) schools to best support division-wide capacity needs. This strategy allows ACPS to proactively plan for future impacts, ensuring long-term alignment with evolving instructional models and middle school capacity requirements.
“On behalf of the School Board, I extend our gratitude to the superintendent, the Capital Improvement Planning team and the Department of Financial Services for their collaboration on a budget focused on transforming spaces and thoughtfully expanding capacity,” said School Board Chair Dr. Michelle Rief. “As we look forward to FY27, we are committed to partnering with the City to advance planning efforts that address middle school capacity needs for our growing community. ”
The CIP reinforces alignment with the ACPS 2030 Strategic Plan, by prioritizing safe, inclusive learning spaces that foster academic excellence and long-term sustainability. ACPS continues to modernize its facilities by focusing on critical infrastructure, essential maintenance and projects that advance evolving instructional models. These efforts ensure that capital investments support both student success and community vitality.
Highlights of the Approved FY 2027-36 CIP Budget Include:
$2M to support renovations to the Chance for Change space to create a modern, purpose-built learning environment.
Renewed investment in the Transportation Facility, including a new maintenance and operations center, commitment to an electrified fleet and site improvements.
Addressing middle school capacity by allocating capital funding to support the conversion of Jefferson-Houston to a middle school and Patrick Henry to an elementary school, aligned with the K-8 grade analysis.
Ongoing investment in curriculum materials and textbooks to support instructional standards.
Modernization of interactive whiteboard technology in various schools.
Investment in heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) and roof replacements and kitchen modernizations at various facilities.
“I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the School Board for their collaborative partnership and thoughtful engagement throughout this CIP process,” said Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt. “Together, we are creating enhanced learning environments that will enable our students, staff, and community to flourish. I am genuinely encouraged by the opportunities these funding commitments represent for continued growth, learning, and success across Alexandria City Public Schools.”
The approved CIP budget reflects ACPS’ commitment to maintaining and modernizing school facilities as valued community assets that support safe, adaptable learning environments and foster positive student outcomes.
ACPS’ CIP project funding is allocated by the City of Alexandria. Once capital projects are approved by the Alexandria City School Board, the City maintains all CIP funding, which includes the accounting for these funds. ACPS is given the budget authority to execute CIP projects. The CIP Budget exclusively funds capital improvement and modernization projects. It is separate from the Combined Funds Budget, which includes three separate funds: Operating, Grant and Special Projects and School Nutrition. For more information on ACPS budgets, visit ACPS Budgets.
