By Heather Michon
A new study of Fluvanna County Public Schools suggests that the division has sufficient space to accommodate student enrollment for the next several years, giving the county and the schools much-needed time to plan for future school needs.
The capacity study, presented to the School Board at their monthly meeting on Aug. 12, shows that the division is operating at 87% capacity overall. Carysbrook Elementary is the most heavily utilized facility at 93%, with Fluvanna County High School at 87%, Fluvanna Middle School at 84%, and Central Elementary at 83%.
Woolpert, the consulting firm that conducted the study, recommends that schools operate at between 85% and 95% capacity, keeping a 5% to 15% buffer for flexibility.
Superintendent Peter Gretz explained that the study distinguishes between a school’s original “design capacity” and its “program capacity,” which reflects how the building is actually used today.
That distinction matters in a school system where most buildings were designed decades ago and are now having to carve out space for offices, special education, intervention services, or other programs that simply did not exist when the buildings were constructed.
For example, Central Elementary is listed at 83% program capacity – but Gretz cautioned that the school can feel more crowded than that figure suggests, because some classroom space is already being used for offices and specialized services.
Combined with Woolpert’s 10-year population study, released earlier this year, it is unlikely that Fluvanna County Public Schools will reach 100% capacity for nearly a decade.
“It seems like we’ve got some planning time,” said Palmyra member James Kelley.
While the two studies do alleviate some board concerns that the division will suddenly have to accommodate an influx of students, the county cannot indefinitely avoid the problems that come with aging school buildings.
In fact, Woolpert has recommended an “adequacy study” to assess the physical condition of the schools. Members said they would take that recommendation under consideration.
Taken together, the studies could form the basis of a long-range master plan for facilities, giving county officials time to determine how future school construction and renovations will be funded.
Abrams
One school is already seeing some major changes.
Josh Bower of the architectural firm Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates told board members that the $1.4 million renovation of Abrams Academy was substantially complete, just in time for the first day of school.
Contractors had worked long days and even some weekends to get the job done on time, and the project had come in on budget.
Three large classrooms were converted into five modernized classroom spaces. Administrative offices were renovated. And there are now six updated bathrooms.
“The toilet rooms turned out so wonderful,” said Bower, who has previously joked that designing functional school restrooms is a passion for him.
Contractors also installed an updated HVAC system, lighting, electrical, and flooring. Other than minor punch-list items and touch-ups, Bower said the project is essentially finished.
“I want to congratulate y’all for getting it done,” said Cunningham member Charles Rittenhouse. “I didn’t think you’d be able to do it.
Abrams Academy is Fluvanna County Public Schools’ alternative education program, serving students whose needs are better met outside the division’s traditional school setting. It is housed in the former S.C. Abrams High School, built in 1936 as the county’s segregated high school for Black students.
School officials are considering holding an open house or ribbon-cutting to celebrate the renovations sometime later this fall.
Consulting Physician
The School Board unanimously approved a $20,000 memorandum of understanding with Amy Beyer of the Fluvanna Health Clinic to serve as the school division’s medical consultant.
The division previously relied on an Orange County physician who provided the service at no cost and continued to do so for about a year after his retirement, while Fluvanna searched for a replacement.
Gretz said the role can be difficult to fill because medical professionals often must take on additional liability insurance and expense. In some school divisions, the local health department provides the service, but Fluvanna’s does not currently do so.
With students presenting with increasingly complex health needs, including diabetes, having a medical consultant available gives school nurses additional support in managing student care.
Beyer is a board-certified family nurse practitioner authorized to practice independently in Virginia and to provide medical consultation and standing orders for school nurses, including orders allowing them to administer medications such as acetaminophen with parental permission.
