Can We Build Schools Better, Faster, and Cheaper?
by pwceducationreform
Parents have raised concerns in recent weeks about the projected construction costs of Prince William County’s 12th high school. The school, which is set to open in September 2016 in the Independent Hill area of Prince William County, has a projected construction cost of $110,943,000. Of particular concern to some parents are the school division’s plans to include a pool in the 12th high school.
The projected cost of this school has many county residents asking if PWCS is building schools that are more expensive than they should be.
As luck would have it, both Loudoun and Prince William County opened new high schools between 2010 and 2012. How do the costs compare?
Loudoun opened Tuscarora High School in September 2010, Prince William opened Patriot High School in September 2011, and Loudoun opened Champe High School in September 2012. All three schools are used energy efficient designs, materials, and systems and are LEED certified. Loudoun builds schools in 18 months while Prince William builds schools in 24 months.
| County | High School | Bid Awarded | Fall Opened | Construction Cost | Square Footage | Cost Per Sq Ft | Student Capacity | SQ Ft Per Student |
| Loudoun | Tuscarora | 2009 | 2010 | 60,627,353 | 285,000 | 213 | 1,800 | 158 |
| PWCS | Patriot | 2009 | 2011 | 70,700,000 | 318,000 | 222 | 2,053 | 155 |
| Loudoun | Champe | 2011 | 2012 | 60,762,000 | 285,000 | 213 | 1,800 | 158 |
