The Loudoun County School Board on Tuesday approved a $1.5 billion six-year construction budget envisions building only one new school during the period.
The Capital Improvements Plan calls for spending $129.8 million in fiscal year 2026, an $86.8 million increase over the plan adopted last year. Among the projects on the schedule for next year are $48 million in capital asset maintenance projects, $18 million to renovate and expand Waterford Elementary School, $12 million for energy conservation projects, $7.8 million for school bus replacements, $5.8 million in security improvements, $3.2 million to accelerate construction of inclusive playground, $3 million as part of a multi-year $183.4 million plan to expand middle and high school arts and performance programming, and $2.7 million as part of a multi-year plan to replace artificial turf on sports fields.
Changes made during a series of School Board work sessions include shifting money from school bus replacement and nutritional equipment upgrades to the support the playground replacements.
Acceleration of the construction of inclusive playgrounds emerged as a top issue during the budget review, with special education advocates urging action during public comment periods.
“In my six years at Hillside, I always wanted an updated playground, even though I am no longer there. I’m so happy that my three younger siblings get to experience a new playground. Thank you for listening to our community and supporting our request,” Zoe Koontz, a sixth grader and Hillside Elementary alumna, said during the board’s final work session.
High school press boxes and walking tracks were moved from the 2026 budget to the 2027 budget.
The School Board also endorsed plans to establish a Transition School, which will provide students with disabilities opportunities to get hands-on work experience, with $5 million earmarked in fiscal year 2027 for that project.
During the final round of debate, Deana Griffiths (Ashburn) got no support from other members on her proposal to shift the $12 million planned for energy efficiency and conservation to other priorities, including playgrounds, career and technical education renovations and fine arts. She said those projects are a higher priority for the community than installing solar panels and LED lighting
Lewis disagreed. He said solar panels would pay for themselves in 17 years, which is half of the life cycle of the panels, and would generate enough power to pay the electric bills for 10 elementary schools. Lewis noted a policy adopted by the previous school board requires the staff to reduce the school system’s carbon footprint.
Other projects in the six-year plan include construction of a new $79 million elementary school on the Watson Mountain Middle School campus in fiscal year 2029, a $33 million eastern Loudoun transportation center in fiscal year 2031, and $124 million for school replacements and renovations.
The construction plan was approved on an 8-1 vote, with Griffiths opposed.
