Alexandria City School Board Approves ACPS Fiscal Year 2026-35 Capital Improvement Program Budget
Contact: Arte’a Funderburk at 571-419-2879 or artea.funderburk@acps.k12.va.
CIP Budget Focuses on Updating Facilities and Addressing Capacity for Elementary and Middle Schools
The Alexandria City School Board has approved the 10-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget of $346,037,800 for fiscal years 2026-35. This budget allocates $20,984,700 for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26), focusing on maintaining funding levels for essential non-capacity needs. In subsequent years, the plan shifts toward capacity projects to address utilization challenges at the elementary and middle school levels, including the modernization of Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology (Cora Kelly).
Based on anticipated needs identified through the Kindergarten-8 (K-8) analysis, the School Board motioned to the superintendent to develop a plan to transition Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School into a middle school and Patrick Henry K-8 School into an elementary school, and the approved budget proactively includes funding to support this effort. This approach ensures long-term planning aligns with future needs, allowing potential impacts to be identified well in advance.
"On behalf of the School Board, I want to thank the superintendent and the Capital Improvement Planning team for their dedication and collaborative efforts,” said School Board Chair Michelle Rief. “Your commitment to putting our students first is evident in every decision and every project you undertake. We are excited about the progress we’ve made together and look forward to the many transformative projects on the horizon that will continue to shape a brighter future for ACPS students."
The CIP emphasizes aligning capital investment priorities with ACPS' strategic goals, particularly the K-8 instructional model and redistricting initiatives. By prioritizing projects that advance these objectives, ACPS aims to create cohesive and progressive learning environments that address current needs while anticipating future growth. This approach ensures that facility investments strategically support both educational outcomes and community development.
Highlights of the Approved FY 2026-35 CIP Budget Include:
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Continued planning and funding of $105 million for the modernization of Cora Kelly, which will add to existing elementary school capacity with space for an additional 291 students and is anticipated to open in FY2032.
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Targeted projects to improve middle school capacity in alignment with the K-8 analysis.
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Investments in curriculum materials and updated textbooks to enhance instructional standards.
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Upgrades to SmartBoard technology across various schools.
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Elevator modernization in multiple facilities to improve accessibility and safety.
“The collaborative efforts of our School Board have been instrumental in advancing our shared vision for academic excellence and student success," said Superintendent Dr. Melanie Kay-Wyatt. "This approved budget reflects our commitment to prioritizing equitable opportunities, fostering supportive learning environments, and aligning our initiatives with the district’s strategic goals.”
The approved CIP budget represents a significant step forward in advancing ACPS’ commitment to fostering safe, sustainable and innovative educational spaces while maintaining a focus on equity and long-term community needs.
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.
Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) serves more than 16,300 students who hail from more than 118 countries and speak 127 languages. ACPS has 18 schools, including two middle schools, two K-8 schools, one pre-K school and the internationally recognized Alexandria City High School. ACPS is committed to putting racial equity at the heart of all decisions and ensuring that each and every student succeeds.