On the evening of Oct. 10, FCPS school board members assembled at Luther Jackson Middle School and approved some of the most sweeping renovations for McLean pyramid schools in years. While the approved projects fall short of renovating entire schools, they address roofing problems at two schools in particular: McLean High School and Kent Gardens Elementary School.
“The renovation is good for McLean; it provides a better learning environment for students,” senior Ailesh Amatya said. “[With the renovation] we can be sure that students are studying in a good learning environment.”
The project at McLean, slated to cost $795,000, will be carried out by Interstate Corporation after bids for both projects were received on Sept. 19. Kent Garden’s renovation is set to cost $811,680 and will be managed by R.D. Bean, Inc. Woodson High School and Stone Middle School will also undergo roof replacement in the next year.
“Overall, the school hasn’t been renovated in a long time, so seeing this come through is going to be beneficial for the future, even if the short-term is going to be difficult or might have implications for student movement around the school,” Amatya said.
The current asphalt roof at McLean was installed in different sections in 1997 and 2002. McLean’s renovation amid a long standing issue with mice in the ceiling, compounded by issues with the mineral fiber ceiling panels used in most classrooms.
“[We’re] excited to install a new roof—it can significantly improve insulation, which stabilizes indoor temperatures and reduces the strain on HVAC systems. This allows for more consistent airflow and comfortable classroom environments, but lowers humidity levels, improving air quality and reducing the risk of mold, which is important for the health of all students and staff,” FCPS roofing construction supervisor Carlo Bertelli said. “The final phase of the reroofing project is expected to be completed by mid-August 2025.”
Some McLean students have expressed concerns that the renovation might cause temporary closures in certain areas around the school until the project is complete.
“McLean is already overcrowded,” senior Yang Wu said. “If certain areas of the school are going to be closed down for renovations, that will make it even more crowded than it was before, and make it harder for people to get to class within the current passing period.”
However, FCPS says it will work to ensure all areas of the school are fully available and that the work will be done during the summer.
“We don’t anticipate any changes to school operations [during the project], as the work will take place during summer break. For safety reasons, certain parking areas and sections inside the school will be blocked off during construction,” Bertelli said. “An inspector will be always on-site to address any issues that may arise.”
