STAFFORD — When it comes to improving Ferry Farm Elementary School, this could be the breakthrough leaders have been waiting for.
A new plan released by Stafford County Public Schools notes a 13,000 square foot portion of the southern Stafford County school would be demolished to make way for a new library and a larger art room.
At 22,000 square feet, the new addition would be almost twice the size of the portion of the building to be demolished. The new addition would also provide better access for students and those with disabilities and will allow for expanded office spaces and a school clinic, according to the statement.
No new classrooms would be added as part of the renovation which is expected to cost $10.8 million and take 14 months to construct, over two summers and one full school year.
Modular buildings would be used to house children during construction, according to the plan.
“I’m very excited to date with the Board of Supervisor support for the desperately needed renovations to Ferry Farm Elementary School –our school board and supervisors understand this important and economical upgrade will help create a 21st-century learning environment for the children of FFES,” stated George Washington District School Board representative Dewayne McOsker via email.
The plan comes after months of back and forth between elected leaders on both the Stafford Board of Supervisors and School Board on whether or not to renovate or rebuild Ferry Farm Elementary School.
Improvements at Ferry Farm are at the top of the school division’s wish list, but that’s not all. School leaders say the county’s growing population will have school buildings bursting at the seams by 2022. Trailer classrooms, dubbed “learning cottages” will be needed if additions or new schools aren’t built.
A new Hartwood Elementary School and a new high school slated to be built in the Hartwood section of the county are also needed, school officials maintain.
Stafford Supervisors on June 5 kicked the can down the road and opted not to approve a $458 million capital improvement plan. The renovation at Ferry Farm, and school improvements and additions in Hartwood are contingent upon the CIP’s approval.
This new plan for Ferry Farm, however, appears to have legs.
“I think this will give us the votes we need to pass the CIP on June 19,” said George Washington District Supervisor Tom Coen, whose advocated for a improvements to the school that lies in his district.
When you do the math on the plan, broken down, the cost for the Ferry Farm renovation project is $490 per square foot.
“This gives me pause,” said Rockhill District Supervisor Wendy Maurer.
She adds the Ferry Farm plan is a step in the right direction for a CIP approval on June 19. However, the Board of Supervisors will have to be judicious during the appropriations process when it comes time to hand over the cash to the school board for the project, she adds.
The Board of Supervisors is expected to take up the CIP vote again at its June 19 meeting.
