The Need

Fairfax is one of the fastest growing towns in the state. BFA's enrollment has increased steadily over the last 10 years. Growth in the elementary school has necessitated adding classroom sections, which have required us to move elementary classrooms into part of the high school. We have also had to reduce our preschool offerings in order to accommodate additional classrooms for kindergarten.

These larger classes will be moving into the middle school over the next several years. There will be a need for an additional classroom space for Grades 5 and 6 to obtain class sizes that are appropriate for student learning. Right now these classrooms would require further reductions in high school space.

While it is possible for high school teachers to share classrooms to meet the need for elementary and middle school space, it would make scheduling of high school courses less flexible, thereby reducing choices and opportunities for our students. Shared classrooms make it more difficult to establish a positive learning culture and may impact our ability to attract and retain high quality teachers.

The bond proposal includes additions to provide additional space for elementary classrooms that will allow us to keep our pK-4 students in the same building and to expand our preschool capacity. Additional classroom space for middle school classrooms will allow the high school to return to its original footprint and provide expanded opportunities for our students, including updating science classroom facilities for middle and high school students.