The School Board has made a decision that could ease the problem of finding property for new schools.
The members have selected Moseley Architects of Harrisonburg, to design a two-story, elementary-school prototype for future use. Robert Dupree (Dulles) said last week that the current architectural standard design for one-story elementary schools is inadequate. ÒWe are encountering more difficulties in finding sites,Ó he said.
The board might find a location for a school that is too small for the current standard, but it is the right size for a two-story building, he said. ÒThat shrinks your blue print, not by a lot, but maybe enough.Ó
Dupree, chairman of the finance, construction and site acquisition committee, said the difference in costs would be minimal, but the new design would provide flexibility. "The construction costs would be a wash," he said.
The school district sent "requests for proposals" to 119 firms and received 11 responses.
In a related issue, the board voted last week to build a western Loudoun County high school on the "Fields Farm" property in Purcellville. The School Board and Supervisors plan to keep working with the town of Purcellville on developing the site and providing municipal water and sewer, said a board document that explained the vote. At the same time, the School Board has pursued development of on-site water and sewer facilities should the town decide against providing the services, the document said.
IN OTHER BUSINESS:
* School Board members agreed to a one-year pilot program permitting high-school student representatives to serve on the School Board. Students would serve on a rotating basis and in an advisory, non-voting capacity. The sequence for attendance would be determined by lot each year.
The proposal would allow student representatives to participate in School Board discussions, voicing support of or disagreement with any motion or formal resolution before the panel. They would be encouraged to attend School Board meetings for the month prior to their turn to participate as a means of promoting continuity.
Students would be eligible for mileage reimbursement to and from the meetings.
* Members debated whether to adopt a guideline allowing first-graders within walking distance of an elementary school to continue attending that school even if boundaries change. Bob Ohneiser (Broad Run) made the proposal. Priscilla Godfrey (Blue Ridge) said she could not see any reason to support the proposal when there never has been an incident of this sort. Superintendent of Schools Edgar Hatrick questioned the safety of implementing the measure. The boundary change could result in a decision to remove an adult crossing guard. In that case, it would not be safe for first-graders to continue. The board will address the proposal again at its next meeting on Aug. 9.