Capital Improvement Program Budget

CIP Budget Focuses on Updating Facilities And Addressing Capacity for Elementary and Middle Schools

Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt has presented the 2026-2035 Capital Improvement Program Budget (CIP) of $341,011,900 for the next 10 years. The superintendent’s proposed CIP budget includes $21,673,800 for fiscal year 26 (FY26), maintaining funding levels for non-capacity needs. After FY26, years 2-10 of the CIP budget include capacity projects aimed at improving utilization at the elementary and middle school level including the modernization of Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology (Cora Kelly).

Addressing Capacity

Following the recent Kindergarten-8 (K-8) analysis completed by ACPS, the budget also proactively outlines plans for the conversion of Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School into a middle school and Patrick Henry K-8 School into an elementary school. This approach will allow for out-year planning to occur in advance, which provides the opportunity to note impacts well before projects occur.

"Each year, the Department of Facilities and Operations puts tremendous effort into preparing a balanced CIP budget that reflects the initiatives, priorities, and objectives of ACPS in alignment with our strategic plan," said Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt. "This proposed budget underscores our commitment to creating safer, more supportive and modern learning environments, aligning the CIP with our focus on the K-8 model and ongoing redistricting efforts."
This year’s proposed CIP budget is centered on aligning capital investment priorities with the school division's strategic plan, particularly the K-8 model and redistricting initiatives. By focusing on projects that directly advance these goals, ACPS is working to create cohesive, progressive learning environments that address both current and anticipated needs. This alignment ensures that facility investments are not only addressing immediate concerns, but are also strategically placed to support broader educational objectives and community growth. Through this targeted approach, the CIP budget underscores ACPS' commitment to enhancing educational spaces in a way that reflects and supports our evolving instructional model and division boundaries.

Highlights

Highlights of the Superintendent’s Proposed FY 2026-2035 Capital Improvement Program Budget include:

• Continued capital investment planning of $105M  for the Cora Kelly modernization.
• Addressing middle school capacity by aligning capital needs with the K-8 analysis.
• Investment in curriculum materials and textbooks to support instructional standards.
• Modernization of SmartBoard technology in various schools.
• Investment in elevator modernization in various facilities.

"On behalf of our team, I want to thank the School Board for their continued collaboration in addressing ACPS’ strategic goals. The FY26 CIP Budget supports essential non-capacity and capacity projects that directly impact the learning environment across our schools. With significant investments such as the Charles Barrett Elementary School kitchen and cafeteria renovation, improvements at our transportation facility and critical elevator upgrades, we’re taking meaningful steps toward safe and sustainable facilities. Additionally, funds have been dedicated to curriculum and technology, aligning with our systemic goals and instructional priorities," said Chief Operating Officer Dr. Alicia Hart.

Public Hearing

The School Board will hold a Public Hearing on the CIP Budget on Thurs., Nov. 14, 2024, beginning at 6:00 p.m., to allow community members to share their input before the Board is scheduled to adopt the final FY 2026-2035 CIP Budget on Thurs., Dec. 19, 2024. Members of the public who wish to give remarks on the CIP Budget may sign up to speak in person or via Zoom, or may submit written public comments via the online form. The deadline to sign up is noon on Sun., Nov. 10, 2024.

ACPS’ CIP Project funding is allocated by the City of Alexandria. Once the capital projects are approved by the Alexandria City School Board, the City maintains all CIP funding and 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. The CIP Budget 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. 

View the presentation of the 2026-2035 CIP Budget Proposal (PDF)

Watch the presentation to the School Board