Robert E. Aylor Middle School Replacement

Updated Aylor Replacement Model

School Design

RRMM Architects has been awarded a contract for professional architectural and engineering services for the planning, design and construction administration of the replacement Robert E. Aylor Middle School. The school will be designed to accommodate the greatest number of students and possible future expansion without affecting the ability to implement current instructional pedagogy and the integration of technology. It is likely the school’s design will be similar to that of Frederick County Middle School and include collaborative learning spaces. 

Project Timeline

  • February 6, 2018 - The School Board approved a resolution requesting a supplemental appropriation of $52 million from the Board of Supervisors for the acquisition of land and the construction of the replacement Robert E. Aylor Middle School. The resolution noted that the new school shall be built in compliance with the regulations of the Board of Education and the Uniform Statewide Building Code; the school design shall be approved in writing by the Superintendent in accordance with the Code of Virginia; the school plans shall be reviewed and approved according to Frederick County Ordinance by the Chief Building Official and appropriate state and federal agencies with jurisdiction such as the Virginia Department of Transportation; and the school shall be sized to accommodate a program capacity of 900 students in accordance with the Virginia Board of Education Regulations and Virginia Department of Education Guidelines for School Facilities. The resolution also stated that should the appropriation be reduced from the $52 million requested, the school shall be reduced in size and program capacity without affecting the instructional space/layout and integrity of the school to accommodate current instructional pedagogy and integration of technology.

  • May 23, 2018 - The Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution indicating its willingness to consider an appropriation of up to $45.5 million for the replacement Robert E. Aylor Middle School provided the facility: (1) doesn't exceed 140,000 square feet in floor area, (2) has capacity for 900 students, (3) will be expandable, (4) will not be subject to any unresolved VDOT comments or issues, including that vehicular ingress and egress to the facility shall be safe and appropriate, and (5) the School Board will designate the existing Aylor Middle School property as surplus for conveyance back to the county promptly upon opening the new Aylor Middle School.

  • June 19, 2018 - The School Board adopted a resolution seeking a $45.5 million appropriation from the Board of Supervisors for the acquisition of land, design and construction of a replacement Robert E. Aylor Middle School. The resolution noted the School Board’s willingness to consider the conditions outlined in the resolution adopted by the Board of Supervisors on May 23, 2018. The School Board’s resolution also stated, “Based upon market conditions and the funds appropriated for the project, the Board shall construct the school to accommodate the greatest number of students and possible future expansion without affecting the ability to implement current instructional pedagogy and the integration of technology.”

  • August 8, 2018 - The Board of Supervisors appropriated $45.5 million for the replacement of Robert E. Aylor Middle School.

  • September 26, 2018 - The Board of Supervisors held a public hearing and subsequent vote on a motion to provide an additional $7.5 million toward the replacement Robert E. Aylor Middle School. The Board of Supervisors voted 4-3 against providing the additional funding.

  • December 18, 2018 - The School Board awarded a contract valued at $2,318,000 to RRMM Architects for professional architectural and engineering services for the planning, design and construction administration of the replacement Robert E. Aylor Middle School.

  • January 2, 2019 - The School Board authorized the purchase of approximately 57 acres at 471 White Oak Road in Stephens City for the site of the replacement Robet E. Aylor Middle School. The property was purchased for $1.3 million plus closing costs.

  • March 19, 2019- The School Board received a report on the replacement Robert E. Aylor Middle School project from RRMM Architects and Branch Builds. The report included a review of the schematic design for the site plan and building.

  • June 18, 2019 - The School Board approved a resolution seeking a $3.2 million supplemental appropriation from the Board of Supervisors to include a 12-classroom addition to the replacement Robet E. Aylor Middle School.

  • July 10, 2019 - The Board of Supervisors approved a $3.2 million supplemental appropriation to fund a 12-classroom addition to the replacement Robert E. Aylor Middle School. The addition will total 13,100 square feet and increase student capacity from about 728 to 1,016 according to RRMM Architects. Based on Virginia Department of Education standards, the addition will increase the capacity from 752 to 1,049.

  • December 15, 2020 - The School Board adopted the updated school program capacities as recommended by Cropper GIS in its independent, comprehensive study. The updated program capacity for the replacement Robert E. Aylor Middle School is 914.