School Facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the types of school construction projects for which the school divisions are required to provide notification to the Department of Education?

The Department of Education must be notified about any construction project that will alter a school facility, or that must be designed by a licensed architect or engineer as required under the state's building code, or that will require approval from the local building code officials. If there are questions about a project's status, please contact Hunter Barnes, 804-225-2035 or A. K. (Vijay) Ramnarain, 804-225-2035 in the Office of Support Services.
No project notification need be submitted to VDOE for:

maintenance projects such as painting or new ceiling work,
projects that do not impact the building's structure,
projects involving a building's electrical or mechanical systems,
projects that do not impact the building code.

Does the Department of Education maintain a list of new school construction or renovation projects under consideration by local education authorities?

No. The department only maintains a project list for projects about which it has received notification.

Does Facilities Services track new schools being built, or schools being renovated and altered in Virginia, and where they are located?

Yes. This information is included in the annual School Construction Cost Data published by the Facilities Services.

What is the method of funding of the construction, renovation or alteration of public school projects in Virginia?

Counties and cities in Virginia are independent political entities of the state (so are school boards that own and maintain their facilities). Therefore public school construction projects are financed through local funds.
The state of Virginia, through the Literary Loan Program, does provide some school construction funds at a subsidized (lower) interest rate to school districts that meet the criteria for qualification of this program.
The Virginia Public School Authority, through its bond sales program, assists school districts in the sale of their local bonds for school construction.

What is the process for the selection of architects and engineers for the design and construction of school projects?

Local school boards select their own architect or engineer for architectural & engineering services in compliance with the state procurement process.

What other type of technical assistance does Facilities Services provide to school districts?

Facilities Services, upon request and approval by the Superintendent of Public Instruction, may provide school facility surveys to assist schools in their planning process.
Facilities Services also provides technical assistance in the areas of school safety planning and training, and playground safety.

Top of Page