Yesterday, we shared information about the potential Sales Tax Referendum, the recent facilities study that identified approximately $200 million in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) needs across our existing schools, and our intent to share more information about potential projects that could be considered to address these needs and further improve existing facilities.
WCPS has an opportunity to consider a broader range of projects in addition to addressing the $200 million in identified MEP needs. These improvements would include:
Five safety vestibules (Abingdon Elementary School, High Point Elementary School, E.B. Stanley Middle School, Glade Spring Middle School, and Wallace Middle School)
New band room at E.B. Stanley Middle School
STEM labs at each school
Science labs at each school
Inclusive playgrounds
High school athletic improvements, such as auxiliary gyms
Multi-purpose outdoor surfaces
An additional concept that has emerged is the potential unification of services, resources, and programs at Holston High School and Patrick Henry High School. An important factor in this decision will be the location. We are currently in the process of identifying properties that would make logistical and financial sense. We understand how important this factor will be in the overall success of the concept.
Together, Holston and Patrick Henry currently serve approximately 613 students. A potential unification could create opportunities to offer students a broader range of academic programs, career and technical education, Dual Enrollment, and extracurricular opportunities than either school may be able to provide independently ā including expanded fine arts like ensembles and specialty choirs and athletic opportunities like boys and girls tennis and girls soccer. The new school would still have the lowest enrollment of Washington County's high schools.
Another concept being explored would be a combined high school and construction-based Career and Technical Education (CTE) center designed to serve approximately 700 students. This could provide state-of-the-art classrooms, science labs, technology and CTE spaces, as well as expanded opportunities for dual enrollment, fine arts, and other electives. A combined CTE center could also provide students with opportunities to earn additional industry and academic credits while preparing for college and careers in a magnet school type setting.
The concept would also involve rethinking how existing facilities in the area are used, including potentially transitioning the current Holston and Patrick Henry high school facilities into expanded middle schools serving students in grades 5-8; possibly Patrick Henry Middle School and Holston Middle School. This would expand opportunities for our middle school students as well as having a positive impact on Meadowview Elementary and Rhea Valley Elementary in relation to available space, Pre-K programs, length of car rider lines, etc. Other existing facilities could be closed or repurposed as part of a larger plan.
No decisions have been made about unification or changes to any individual school. At this stage, we are exploring what may be possible and asking an important question: "What opportunities could we create for our students if we looked at our schools, programs, and facilities based on the differences in programs, needs, and enrollments that exist today as compared to when the schools were built in the 1950s?ā
If unification becomes a path forward, WCPS would recommend establishing a Unification Committee made up of representatives from the communities served by both schools. The goal would be to ensure that the needs, priorities, traditions, and voices of both communities are part of the planning process.
This is an opportunity to think creatively and consider what the future could look like for our students in the Holston and Patrick Henry communities. We know conversations about our schools are deeply personal, and we will continue to share information and provide opportunities for families, staff, students, and community members to ask questions and provide feedback as the conversation develops.
We also want to make sure our communities have access to the information that is informing these conversations. The presentation shared during this weekās Community CIP Committee meeting is available on our website and provides additional context about the divisionās facility needs, potential funding options, and some of the projects and possibilities currently being explored.
View the presentation here: https://www.wcs.k12.va.us/documents/community-cip-committee/29214378
To view the meeting, click here: https://washcovaschools.zoom.us/rec/share/RvE4DdESRzttg3ksew8-mbiflAOCX_cPxbfrm9sf6QzUjPfRwyr5Z3vQNy3FUQ.uafzdhBdEUHteuMt?startTime=1787067024000
Passcode: e%!3y^Dd
We are also providing access to the full Facilities Study: https://www.wcs.k12.va.us/documents/district/human-resources-and-operations/facilities/29221625
As this conversation continues, our focus will remain on creating meaningful opportunities for students and building a strong future for the communities we serve.
