FALLS CHURCH, Va. — On Saturday, city and public school leaders in Falls Church held a public briefing on proposals to rebuild George Mason High School to expand Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School.
“George Mason is at capacity today,” superintendent Toni Jones said during the briefing at City Hall.
Saturday’s event was part of a series of public briefings. School officials are evaluating proposals for the two schools, a process that began back in February 2014.
Built in 1954, George Mason High School has many out-of-date systems. The school also needs a new roof and HVAC system. Jones said the school’s footprint is large, so the newer version of the school would be built up and not be built out.
Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School shares the same campus as George Mason High School. Though it is a newer school, it is expected to reach capacity soon.
Falls Church public school leaders say they know the city’s schools are facing growing pains. Jones said the plan was to have both schools completed by fall 2019, a very tentative timeline.
The project is projected to cost more than $100 million, according to city manager Wyatt Shields.
The trick, school leaders say, is figuring out how to pay for renovations and expansions. One way to help offset costs is by leasing some of the land for commercial use, which would also generate tax revenue.
From the beginning, the project has been a joint effort between the school board and city council. Several city residents said they thought the city was going about the project in the right way.
“I am impressed with the process so far,” said Karen Mosley, a mom with a teenager who attends George Mason High School.
