HCPS Presentation-Review of Schematic Design for New Fairfield Area Elementary School-May 14, 2026

The Henrico Schools board held a meeting on May 14, 2026, to review the schematic design for the new Fairfield Area Elementary School, a project funded by the 2022 bond referendum with an estimated total cost of $46 million. The presentation detailed the site location, building layout, and design features including a two-story building of approximately 92,870 square feet, parking for 10 buses and 143 cars, and separation of bus and car drop-off areas. The design includes environmentally sensitive considerations such as wetlands preservation and plans for solar panel installation through a PPA agreement with Dominion Energy. Board members discussed aspects of the design including safety measures like fencing along the adjacent Fall Line Trail, the inclusion of restrooms in classrooms, flexible multi-use spaces such as a combined gym and cafetorium with a stage, and future-ready features like lactation rooms and potential solar canopies over parking. Questions were raised about the impact of wetlands on construction, soil studies underway, and the need for the school given demographic trends and local development. The project is scheduled to proceed to design development and construction documents by February 2027, with bidding planned for early spring 2027 and construction to follow. No formal votes were recorded during the meeting, but several action items were noted for follow-up, including providing additional information on land costs and enrollment projections.