INFORMATIONAL

  Attached are:
  
     1.   A list of new public school projects put under
          contract in fiscal year 1995-96 with
          individual and average cost data by school
          types;
  
     2.   A list of selected additions and renovation
          projects in fiscal year 1995-96 with
          individual and average cost data;
  
     3.   A 6-year (1990-91 through 1995-96) tabulation
          of average unit area and cost data; and
  
     4.   A graph, based on the above, indicating the
          change in public school construction costs
          over a 6-year period.
  
  In reviewing the new school construction cost for last year,
  we note that costs rose in both the middle and high school
  categories and was down slightly for elementary.  It is
  evident that the dramatic rise in cost of the past few years
  has slowed.  We would expect costs to continue to rise at or
  above annual inflation rates for next year.  Differences in
  regional pricing was detected in the Virginia bid market,
  causing unpredictable swings in cost to occur with some
  individual projects.
  
  If you have questions concerning the above, please call Hunter
  L. Barnes, Architectural Consultant, Facilities Services at
  (804) 225-2035.
  
  RTL:cle
  
  Enclosures:  This memo and its enclosures will be sent to
               the superintendent's office.