$120M School Bond Referendum Passes: What's Next

FALLS CHURCH, VA—On Election Day, City of Falls Church voters approved a referendum for up to $120 million in bonds to pay for a new George Mason High School campus.

The measure passed with the support of 63.6 percent of voters. 3,590 voters chose "yes" and 2,053 choose "no," according to unofficial election results.

So what are the next steps now that the referendum is approved? The city will work to sell 10 acres of the campus for economic development to pay for the school. A city economic feasibility study showed a long-term lease or sale could earn up to $45 million, which would defray the cost of the school.

The school district will begin planning the school design and permits. Construction of the school could start in spring 2019 and finish spring 2021. Under the current timeline, the new campus would open fall 2021.

SEE ALSO: Virginia General Election 2017: How Falls Church Voted

Falls Church City Public Schools Superintendent Peter Noonan released the following statement after the referendum passed:

The Falls Church City Public Schools extends its sincerest appreciation to our community for overwhelmingly supporting the referendum approved last evening to fund the upcoming George Mason High School Campus Project.

The passage of this referendum will make a significant difference in our ability to maintain high quality and high performing educational programs, services, and opportunities for our students during their critical last four years in FCCPS.

The school district extends its thanks to the many individuals from our community whose tireless efforts and passion helped pass this referendum in which every vote counted. Additional thanks goes out to the Falls Church City School Board, the City Council, the FCCPS PTAs, the Falls Church Band Boosters, the George Mason Athletic Boosters, FCCEA, the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce, Yes! for Falls Church, and so many others that showed their immense support to our schools individually and as groups.

Now the work begins on improving our high school facilities. My administrative team, the School Board, and I will work to get this needed building done on time and within the budget we have been given. As community leaders, it is our duty to be good fiscal stewards and we commit that to you as we move ahead.
On a personal note, I am in awe of all of the discussion, planning, and serious work by the thousands of you over the last ten years that have allowed us to reach this critical moment in the life of our independent school system. As your new Superintendent, I am humbled to take the torch as we now move forward from discussion and planning to reality.

I ask that you remain engaged as we now begin the process of building a new George Mason High School. There will be many opportunities in the next year and a half of planning to fully leverage your ideas and values in this process. It is wonderful to be part of a community that has such pride in its schools, confidence in its educators, and values all of our students and their quality of education.

See the full details and timeline for the George Mason High School project here.

Rendering of new campus via City of Falls Church