FCHS Town Hall Summary

Hello Westlawn Community!  I was able to attend the FCHS Town Hall last night (though I was a bit late because of the milkshakes I ordered to-go from Red Robin…yumm-sigh)  So, thank you Catherine Coley for filling in some blanks for what I might have missed and here are some key points you might be interested in knowing:

Speakers – Our school board representative, Dr. Anderson represented the school district.  Several architects and representatives from their company were present to speak directly to the project status.

History – the project was originally funded in 2017 and they started construction in 2021.  They are funded at $133 Million with a forecasted completion in 2026. 

• After the $133 Million was approved, costs went up with pandemic. Items were cut from the plan but the community came together to demand the long awaited improvements to the school.  Phase 4, which focuses on the field improvements, are the items that were technically cut and are now back in the plan, but will be covered under a separate budget. They also need to re-permit the work as it was removed from the existing permit.  The outdoor lighting funding was a little unclear, but they repeatedly reassured the group that all items in the plan are funded.

Overall Project Scope:

• Full Renovation: New floor finishes, walls, ceilings, doors, and windows
• New life safety systems, fire alarm, sound, and lighting
• Design Capacity up to 2,500 students - increase from 1,957 students
• New Entry, Admin Suite, Library,
• Sustainability & CHPS Designed
• Improved kiss & ride and bus drop-off/pick-up circulation - improved safety
• Reconfigured softball field

Phase 1 - Complete

• Science/Math Wing Addition (2 story large addition on the back)
• Library/Media Center Addition
• Music/Theater Wing Addition (rehearsal space and black box theater)
• Culinary Arts
• Special Education (1/2 done)
• Design Tech Studio
• Auto Shop
• Cafeteria/Kitchen

 Phase 2 - Building (Now Under Construction)

• Estimated completion in 1st Quarter 2025
• Parking Map - Ended up with more parking spots then they thought they would
• New Entrance with secure lobby for all visitors to check in with ID

 Phase 3 - Future Construction, Estimated Start in 2nd or 3rd Quarter of 2025

• Physical Education Wing
• English Classrooms (remaining)
• Business Classrooms
• Main Gym
• Weight Room
• Wrestling Room
• Aux Gym
• Theater Wing

Phase 4: Athletic Fields, Summer of 2026

• Softball field may be started earlier due to the parking and drainage/runoff mitigation

Final Notes:

• There will be 518 parking spaces eventually
• There will be outdoor bathrooms by the stadium and softball fields
• There is an historic mosaic outside of the gym that was brought to the attention of the group.  The architects were asked to make sure it is protected when the renovation of the gym is started and that a meaningful space be found for it.
• For more info: https://www.fcps.edu/falls-church-high-capital-project The presentation slides should be posted soon.
• Complete feedback survey if you have any concerns about the construction.