Glossary
The following words and terms, when used in the Guidelines for Developing a School Building Project, have the following meaning unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
Final plans and specifications: The complete set of contract documents including bidding requirements, contract requirements, technical specifications, plans, and addenda which depict the scope of the project. The documents shall bear the Virginia seal and signature of the licensed design professional. Incomplete plans and specifications shall not be considered “final” as referenced in §22.1-140 of the Code of Virginia.
Net floor area or square footage: The area derived by multiplying the inside dimensions of the classroom space, including all features of the self-contained classroom such as garment storage, teacher’s storage, shelving, work counters, vestibule, and incidental partitions but excluding walls, toilet rooms, general storage, space for special equipment, stage, or auxiliary rooms.
Recommendations: Suggested best practices that may be used in the planning and construction of public school buildings
Regulations: Any mandatory requirements adopted by the Virginia Board of Education for the planning and construction of public educational facilities as authorized by §22.2-138 of the Code of Virginia.
School: An educational facility that has the following program levels:
- Primary School – pre-kindergarten through third grade, but may not include all grades or have all grades represented.
- Elementary School – pre-kindergarten through seventh grade, but may not include all grades or have all grades represented.
- Middle School – fifth through ninth grade, but may not include all grades or have all grades represented.
- High School – eighth through twelfth grade, but may not include all grades or have all grades represented.
- Combined School – is a single facility that includes two or more of the elementary, middle or high school program levels.
School site number: The number assigned by the State Department of Education to a given parcel of land to be occupied for educational purposes by a given school division which may or may not contain school buildings.
School project number: The number derived from the school site number which is assigned to new construction work or alterations to school buildings owned or leased by the school board.
Supplemental classroom: Facilities to temporarily house students because of a special need. The use of such facilities is scheduled to terminate when the special need is eliminated.
Usable site: That portion of the site that can be developed without excessive cost for school use and may be used for future additions, outdoor instruction, physical education, outdoor circulation, parking, bus loading, and where necessary, sewage disposal or treatment plants.