School Board Approves FY 2027-36 CIP Focused on School Renewal and Modernization

The Arlington School Board approved the FY 2027-36 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) on Thursday, advancing a 10-year roadmap to renew and modernize APS facilities while supporting an $80 million school bond referendum for voters this November.

The plan reflects the School Board’s commitment to maintaining and extending the useful life of APS schools and facilities. It prioritizes major infrastructure, safety and accessibility improvements while updating educational spaces to better support students and staff.

“Investing across our entire school division, from major renovations to the essential building systems, is critical for keeping our schools safe, accessible and supportive of teaching and learning,” said School Board Chair Bethany Zecher Sutton. “This plan moves priority projects forward and allows us to address needs throughout the full APS facilities portfolio.”

Major investments in the approved CIP include:

• Thomas Jefferson Middle School: The CIP proposes $142 million in the 2028 referendum, including approximately $11 million for geothermal wells in keeping with the Board’s sustainability commitments. The project will focus on major infrastructure, safety, accessibility and right-sizing educational spaces. As the project advances from conceptual planning into design, the School Board may consider up to $5 million in additional project funding if warranted by future cost estimates. Additional funding needs could also be considered as part of the FY 2029-38 CIP.
• Swanson Middle School: The CIP proposes a planning amount of $80 million in the 2030 referendum, for a future renovation focused on infrastructure, safety, accessibility and educational space needs. The amount and project scope will be reviewed and refined during the next CIP process.
• Montessori Public School of Arlington: The plan includes $41 million for relocating MPSA to the legacy Arlington Career Center building, with up to $4 million in contingency funding available if needed.
• Major infrastructure: The plan adds $20 million to the major infrastructure program, broadening APS’ ability to address aging roofs, heating and cooling equipment, electrical systems and other critical facility needs across multiple schools.

The CIP also continues investments in previously approved projects, including the Grace Hopper Center, the Hoffman-Boston Elementary School HVAC and roof replacement, kitchen renovations, critical notification and public address systems, and joint synthetic turf projects with Arlington County.

The Jamestown and Oakridge Elementary Schools, and the Dorothy Hamm and Williamsburg Middle Schools projects, remain part of APS’ long-term facility program and are included in this CIP. Planned HVAC, roofing and other building improvements for both schools continue to be prioritized.

How the CIP Process Works and What Comes Next

The CIP is APS’ long-term plan for major construction, renovation and infrastructure investments. It identifies facility needs, establishes planning-level budgets and schedules projects across a 10-year period based on urgency, available funding and the division’s ability to manage debt responsibly.

Adoption of the CIP does not mean every project begins immediately. Projects move through several stages, including planning, community engagement, design, procurement and construction. Project budgets and schedules may be adjusted as more detailed design and cost information becomes available.

The approved CIP will now move into the next phase of the bond process, in coordination with Arlington County. The proposed $80 million school bond referendum will be presented to Arlington voters during the November 2026 election.

If voters approve the referendum, Arlington County and APS will prepare to sell the bonds and make funding available so bond-funded projects can move forward in accordance with their individual planning, design and construction schedules.

APS will continue to provide project updates and opportunities for community engagement through Engage with APS as the work advances.

Learn more about the FY 2027-36 Capital Improvement Plan and upcoming bond referendum process