INFORMATIONAL

  Attached are:

    1. A list of new public school projects placed
         under contract in fiscal year 1997-98 with
         individual and average cost data by school
         types;

    2. A list of selected addition and renovation
         projects in fiscal year 1997-98 with
         individual and average cost data;

    3. A six-year (1992-1993 through 1997-98)
         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 six-year period.

  As was provided last year, we have identified site
  development costs as a separate item on Attachments No.
  1-3.  Based on last year's averages, it appears there was
  a decrease in the prices compared to the previous year.
  This may be due in part to a more competitive bid market
  during the spring of this year. 

  If you have any questions concerning the above, please call
  Hunter L. Barnes, Architectural Consultant, Facilities
  Services at (804) 225-2035.

  PDS/ya

  Enclosures:     A hard copy of this memo and its attachments
                  will be sent to the superintendent's
                  office.