APS Engage Update – October 27, 2023

Facility Condition Assessment (FCA) Report

The Facility Condition Assessment (FCA) Report uses the framework and guidelines developed jointly by APS Facilities & Operations staff and the Advisory Council on School Facilities and Capital Programs (FAC). This project is an undertaking of a systemwide evaluation to study 41 APS facilities. APS aims to provide optimal learning environments for all students, and this project’s goal is to identify and assess facilities that will allow APS leadership to prioritize future capital investments. The FCA report shares assessments of 41 APS facilities from two perspectives:

• Facility Condition Index (FCI) – FCI focuses on major building systems and is an industry standard, systematic evaluation and ranking tool based on system age, condition, and current replacement costs.
• Building Characteristics Index (BCI) – BCI is based on APS’ recent educational specifications in three categories: major building systems, educational spaces, and common spaces.

These two assessment approaches allow APS to develop methodologies for ranking projects based on three capital investment strategies: projects requiring smaller capital investments (i.e., Local Projects), projects requiring mid-range investments (i.e., Major Infrastructure Projects), and projects requiring significant investments and time (i.e., analogous to new construction, reconstruction, or major renovation).

In the FY 2025-34 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Direction, which will be presented for information at the School Board Meeting on Nov. 9, 2023, the School Board will direct staff on which methodologies should be used to determine the list of prioritized schools that will have in-depth feasibility studies conducted and considered for major renovations and/or reconstruction. The list of prioritized schools will be shared with the community in Spring 2024 during the upcoming development process for the FY 2025-34 CIP.

View the Facility Condition Assessment Report

For additional information or questions on the FCA Report, please email engage@apsva.us.

Nottingham Swing Space Proposal

On October 24, 2023, the School Board held a Committee of the Whole (COW) meeting on the Facilities Condition Assessment Report (FCA). During the COW, staff proposed methodologies to prioritize schools for more in-depth feasibility studies (deep dive). These feasibility studies will inform staff on major renovations and/or reconstruction projects and if swing space may be needed. Swing space does not need to be identified in the FY2025-34 CIP. Therefore, the proposal to utilize Nottingham as swing space will not be included in the FY 2025-34 CIP. There may be a need for swing space for future projects, and any swing space proposals will be communicated well in advance.

View the Committee of the Whole Meeting Presentation

For additional information on the CIP or for related questions, please visit the Engage webpage or email engage@apsva.us. 

Information on the Upcoming Administration of the Virginia Youth Survey
Selected APS schools will participate in the Virginia Youth Survey (VYS), commonly referred to as the Youth Risk and Behavior Survey (YRBS) in other states, which is administered biennially by the Virginia Department of Health. The survey is designed to be completed in 45 minutes or less and will focus on the following areas: behaviors that contribute to unintentional injuries and violence, alcohol and other substance use, tobacco use, unhealthy dietary behaviors, and inadequate physical activity.  VYS is designed to protect student privacy. The survey results will not mention any school or student by name, ensuring complete anonymity for all participants. The APS Engage webpage provides families with the opportunity to preview the surveys and to read more about VYS administration at APS. Families who would like to opt-out their student from participating in VYS may complete the appropriate opt-out form before Nov. 8, 2023, by visiting one of the links below:

• Middle School VYS Opt-Out
• High School VYS Opt-Out

Additional information about the Virginia Youth Survey is available on the Virginia Department of Health website. 

Share Your Feedback on School Board Policies Available for Public Comment
Review and comment on draft APS policies that are available for public comment on the School Board Policies for Revision and Amendment webpage. Comments can be provided online until the deadline listed for each of the following policies:

• A-4 Mission, Vision, and Core Values
• I-3 Religious Exemption to Compulsory Attendance
• B-2.1.31 Members (School Board)
• B-2.1.32 Conduct (School Board)
• B-2.6.1 Conflict of Interests (School Board)
• B-3.2 Board Leadership
• D-1.30 Goals (Finance & Management Services)
• I-7.5 Adult Community Education
• J-10.1.3 Return-to-Learn Plans for Students Experiencing Traumatic Brain Injury or Other Medical or Psychological Illness

All School Board Policies and Policy Implementation Procedures (PIPs) are available on BoardDocs and are searchable by specific keywords or phrases. For additional information or questions about School Board policies, please visit the Engage with APS School Board Policies webpage. 

Upcoming Events: 

• November 6 – Open Office Hours with School Board Chair Christina Diaz-Torres (Virtual)
• November 9 – School Board Meeting