What Staunton Schools would be able to do with a 1 percent sales tax hike

Voters in localities across the state, including the City of Staunton, will be asked on the Nov. 3 ballot to approve a 1 percent local sales tax to provide local money for new school construction and renovation projects.

Staunton City Schools commissioned a study of its building needs over the summer, and, survey says:

There are $168 million in unfunded capital needs.

The figure was highlighted in a newsletter that went out on Friday.

The biggest identified need is at Shelburne Middle School, which faces $15.4 million in required maintenance, which is just the starting point.

The school system is targeting the school, which was built in 1962, for a $56.8 million renovation to bring it to 21st century standards, and add 14 classrooms, a new kitchen and an auditorium/performing arts center.

Growing student enrollment is an issue at Bessie Weller Elementary School, which was built in 1952, faces $13.9 million in required maintenance, and a renovation coming in at a projected cost of $32.1 million.

A comprehensive renovation would add classrooms to meet instructional capacity needs.

A.R. Ware Elementary School has classroom space available, but the HVAC installed in 2000 is nearly 30 years old, and its diesel fire pump and water heater are 21 years old.

The study, which puts required maintenance at $15.7 million, and a renovation at $31.6 million, recommends enhancing the security vestibule first, then infrastructure and roofing, then lighting and HVAC.

Enrollment pressures are also an issue at T.C. McSwain Elementary School, which faces $22.3 million in required maintenance, with a comprehensive renovation coming in at a projected cost of $26.4 million.

The issue at McSwain is that four temporary learning cottages are being used to house the fourth grade this year because growing enrollment has strained capacity.

The study commissioned by the school system recommends addressing the security vestibule and parking first, then the remaining mechanical systems. A comprehensive renovation would add classrooms to meet instructional capacity needs.

One last one: the Dixon Educational Center, which houses the city’s preschool program and special education and student services staff.

Since it has never been renovated, the building has numerous code deficiencies. Its piping is more than 60 years old, and most of its HVAC dates to 1972.

Required maintenance cost there: $10 million.

Renovation: $20.6 million.