Lacey School Construction Slated for Spring 2012 Completion

Construction of the future Lacey Elementary School on Crest Drive should be finished by March 2012, according to Fairfax County Public Schools.

Kevin Sneed, director of design and construction services for the school system, said 60 percent of the construction is already complete. Construction crews are on target to finish the $19.3 million project by early spring, he said.

“We’re pretty far along,” he said. “As long as we don’t get any more weather like we’ve been having recently, we’ll be finished with everything in March.” 

The new elementary school fills an important role in the community. On July 28, the Fairfax County School Board approved attendance area recommendations made in the Annandale Regional Study. The recommendations included adjustments to school attendance areas in order to establish an attendance area at Lacey Elementary and also to reduce overcrowding at Annandale High School.

School board member Sandy Evans, who represents Lacey and other areas affected by the boundary changes, said she is optimistic about the potential of the Lacey site.

“The new elementary school will significantly relieve overcrowding at surrounding schools, and I believe the new school itself will start with a strong foundation,” she said. “It will be important to make sure the four schools losing students get extra attention to ease the transition and keep their programs vibrant."

The new elementary school will include grades K-5, said county schools spokeswoman Mary Shaw. The approximate enrollment will be 475 in the 2012-13 school year and 557 in the 2016-17 school year.

The enrollment numbers are based on the attendance area proposed by staff. The school system will conduct enrollment projections for the new school based on the new attendance areas in the spring of 2012.

Annandale High School Changes

In connection with the same study, Evans said the board could have removed fewer students from Annandale High School than it opted for under the approved boundary plan. Evans voted against the plan and advocated retaining Wakefield Forest and the western portion of Bren Mar Park.

“AHS is both a highly diverse and highly successful school, a jewel among Fairfax County schools,” she said. “I fear that the removal of these two areas will change the fabric and dynamic at the school.”

Evans said that many Annandale High School families are deeply saddened by the boundary changes. She said the next year will require parent, student, teacher and community involvement to make for a smooth transition.

“It will be important to make new connections and involve the community in the opening of the new elementary school," Evans said.

Sneed said he also feels confident about the community’s resilience. “They’ve been very supportive, cooperative and understanding of what’s happening,” he said. “This is really one of the best communities I’ve ever worked with.”