The construction of several Spotsylvania County schools has been delayed, and officials are blaming declining student enrollment caused by home foreclosures in the area.
A $24.86 million elementary school originally scheduled for 2011 is now set to open in 2015, according to a capital improvement plan presented at last night's School Board meeting.
"Everybody needs to understand that we don't build things we don't need," said Vice Chairman Marty Wilder.
The plan outlines construction projects from 2010 to 2014 totaling $298 million, using projected enrollment numbers.
The school division saw its first drop in enrollment since 1974, educational facilities planner Scott Worner told the board. Overall, the school division's average daily membership is down 300 students.
Elementary schools saw a drop of 163 students this year, a sign that foreclosures likely affected young families, Worner said.
Spotsylvania's proximity to Northern Virginia and its commuter population may also be a factor, he added. Families who lost homes and those unwilling to commute amid fluctuating gas prices may have moved in with relatives in Northern Virginia.
Additions to Ni River and Thornburg middle schools, originally scheduled for 2010, have been delayed until 2012. New elementary, high and middle schools have been delayed beyond the next four years.
"We've seen sort of wild and rampant growth, and now we're seeing a little bit of a different picture," Wilder said.
Chairman Gil Seaux said he'd like to see statewide enrollment numbers in December, when Gov. Tim Kaine releases his budget proposal.
"We have been disciplined in how we approach this, because in everything we decide to do, there is a cost, and we understand that," Seaux said.
Karen Bolipata: 540/374-5418
Email: kbolipata@freelancestar.com