Graham Road Elementary School Overview
On May 22, 2008, the Fairfax County School Board reviewed the pros and cons of relocating Graham Road Elementary School, which were prepared by a community-based planning team. (FCPS School Board agenda, May 22, 2008, Regular Meeting, No. 20, Action Item 4.02)
After reviewing the analysis, the Board voted unanimously to renovate the Devonshire Administration Center building and move Graham Road students to that site.
The planning team:
- included parents and community members who represented the neighborhoods adjacent to Graham Road Elementary and met several times.
- addressed the perceived strengths and weaknesses of the facilities and instructional program at the current school site and at the Devonshire site.
- concluded that renovating and expanding the existing Graham Road building would not be possible due to site constraints and zoning requirements.
Analysis of Graham Road Elementary School Site
Strengths:
- more instructional space—music rooms, art rooms, larger cafeteria, gymnasium, and classrooms.
- more square footage per student.
- convenient and walkable access for students, parents, and staff.
- easier opportunities for formal and informal interactions between students, parents, and staff.
- parental peace of mind with children within easy walking distance.
Weaknesses:
- Recess unavailable during testing periods.
- Disruption of students, staff, and surrounding community during renovation.
- Safety concerns—multiple exits, traffic congestion, alley.
- Longer construction time.
- Offsite intersession needed to accommodate construction schedule.
Analysis of Devonshire Administration Building Site
Strengths:
- More outdoor space—playground, fields, parking.
- More capacity for growth in student population.
- Better atmosphere with fewer distractions--fire trucks, traffic noise
- Decreased traffic congestion and better traffic flow.
- Less impact to students, community, and staff during renovation.
- Shorter construction time.
- Opportunities to keep the School Age Child Care center and Head Start-Family Family and Early Childhood Education Program (FECEP) at the current Graham Road site.
- Opportunities to use vacant space at the Graham Road site for other community services.
Weaknesses:
- Most students will require bus transportation.
- Smaller square footage/student.
- Smaller cafeteria.
- Distance from community is inconvenient for students, parents, and staff.
For more information:
Graham Road Elementary Planning Team Update, April 3, 2008 (pdf)
Appendix (Planning Team, Comparison Matrix, Additional Comments—Planning Team Members), April 3, 2008 (pdf)