Staff raises and market rate adjustments are a few of the proposed highlights after Alexandria City Public Schools got the green light last week by City Council to add $273.03 million to its combined funds budget.
The $14.3 million increase over the current ACPS budget comes at considerable cost to the taxpayer, as last week City Council approved a 2.5-cent tax increase to pay for it and other city services.
The School Board initially wanted $21 million in its combined funds budget request. Now as the school system awaits funding approval from the Virginia General Assembly’s budget later this month, Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt is putting the finishing touches to her proposed $384.39 million combined funds budget.
ACPS wants an additional $3.4 million from the state, a 5% increase for a total ask of $71.3 million.
The combined funds budget includes the ACPS operating fund, the grants and special projects fund, and the school nutrition services fund.
According to ACPS: “After these adjustments, the FY 2025 Combined Funds Budget will increase by $10,737,000 to $384.39 million dollars per the Superintendent’s Proposed Budget. The overall Combined Funds Staffing will increase/decrease by 7.4 FTE (full-time employees) to 2,696.70.”
Kay-Wyatt’s operating budget recommendations are below.
- Add a 2% market rate adjustment (MRA) for all eligible employees — $5,350,000
- Add a step increase for all eligible staff who did not get one in FY 2020 — $4,200,000
- Add two full-time elementary advanced academic services teachers — $250,000
- Add one full-time athletic trainer to Alexandria City High School — $115,000
- Add one full-time college and career counselor to Alexandria City High School — $125,000
- Add one full-time psychologist to ACHS — $125,000
- Add two full-time deans of students at George Washington and Francis C. Hammond Middle Schools — $307,000
- Add a part-time family liaison — $65,000
The grants and special services fund recommendations are below.
- Add a 2% MRA for all eligible employees — $250,000
- Add a step increase for all eligible staff who did not receive in FY 2021 — $200,000
- Reduce expenditures in purchased services, materials and supplies and other services to fund staff raises — $450,000
The school nutrition services fund recommendations are below.
- Add a 2% MRA for all eligible employees — $100,000
- Add a step increase for all eligible staff who did not receive in FY 2021 — $100,000
- Federal funds increased for salary compensation — $200,000
The School Board will conduct a public hearing on the budget on Thursday (May 9) at 6:30 p.m. The Board will vote on the budget on June 6.
(Updated 3:50 p.m.) The results of the Healthy Home Network survey last fall found that the biggest concern for most residents in Alexandria is pests.
The survey was run by the Alexandria Health Department with the goal of identifying issues affecting homes around the city.
A survey of 900 residents — conducted in English, Spanish, Amharic, Dari and Pashto — found that 35% of respondents (278 people) were concerned about bugs, mice or rats in their home.
The second highest concern was tobacco or marijuana smoke smells at 21% (172 people) and mold or moisture also at 21% (170 people).
A release from the Healthy Homes Network said they agreed “further engagement is needed” to root causes and sustainable solutions for tenants, homeowners and property managers.
The Healthy Homes Network is hosting a pair of virtual and in-person sessions to discuss home health issues.
The first will be a virtual session on Wednesday, May 15, from 7-8 p.m.
The second will be an in-person session on Saturday, May 25, from noon to 1 p.m. at the Charles Houston Recreation Center (901 Wythe Street).
“Please arrive at 11:30 a.m. for a free meal or to enroll your child (ages 4-12) in free childminding services,” the Healthy Home Network said. “Attendees will be entered to win a free HEPA air purifier!”
Photo via Joshua J. Cotten/Unsplash
The final touches are being made on the expansion of Alexandria City High School’s Minnie Howard Campus.
After two years of construction, a certificate of occupancy was issued for the five-story, $174 million building last month. Alexandria City Public Schools is on track to welcome students to the new facility in August.
Mayor Justin Wilson recently toured the site and shared a gallery of photos on his Twitter and Facebook pages. We included the photos in a gallery above.
“It is an impressive facility that will benefit our entire community,” Wilson wrote.
The school, when completed, will have a capacity of 1,600 students, which is roughly doubled in its capacity, will feature an aquatics facility and expanded career and technical education (CTE) lab spaces for “potential new offerings in game design/development, robotics, emergency medical sciences, cyber security, (and) firefighting,” according to ACPS.
The latest official construction update from ACPS is below.
Construction activities are ongoing in all areas, which include various tasks such as installing concrete sidewalks, laying pavers, applying asphalt, constructing bioretention ponds, planting greenery, installing lighting fixtures, erecting fencing, setting up playground equipment, and applying playground surfacing. These efforts are progressing according to schedule and are anticipated to be finalized by April.
Façade enhancement work, including steel painting, coping and canopy installation, finish metal panels, greenhouse glass fitting, exterior lighting, and soffit installation, will be completed as weather permits.
April will see the removal of any unnecessary construction equipment or debris. Interior spaces are undergoing final touches, including painting, flooring installation, base and wall protection, millwork, locker installation, door fitting, and hardware placement. Final cleaning has commenced and will be finished by April.
The pool has been filled, with final inspections slated for April. Furniture installation permits have been secured for all areas. Work will continue on Saturdays and during extended shifts, approved by the city from 7 a.m. to midnight Monday through Saturday, adhering to noise ordinances. This extended work period is approved until Apr. 15, 2024. The temporary certificate of occupancy was issued Apr. 5, 2024.
The project remains on track for completion within contractual obligations. Relocation activities are scheduled to commence in June 2024, involving moves from the existing Minnie Howard facility and adjacent campus locations. Planning for Phase 2 is underway, with submittals initiated and a tentative start date set for June 2024.
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Tri Pointe brings Queer Eye interior designer Bobby Berk to Alexandria’s new Eisenhower Pointe.
Tri Pointe Homes, one of the nation’s most celebrated names in residential building, introduced the new Alexandria community of Eisenhower Pointe by welcoming another celebrated name to the property: Bobby Berk.
Berk, best-known as the interior design expert on the first eight seasons of Netflix’s Queer Eye, has been called “one of the most famous interior designers working today” by Architectural Digest. Berk has made a distinctive mark on the Eisenhower Pointe community’s four-level townhomes and condominiums (with rooftop terraces) with whole-home interior designs that are comfortable, functional, stylish, and with an emphasis on overall wellness.
Three models decorated by Berk are now open for tours.
Tri Pointe hosted Berk earlier in March with an elegant “Wine & Design” event; Berk answered questions, offered tips, mingled with guests, and signed copies of his new book, “Right at Home,” which was presented as a gift to each attendee.
Brad Blank, president of Tri Pointe Homes’ D.C. Metro Division, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration with the Queer Eye star.
“As a premium lifestyle brand, we’re consistently evolving our product offerings and customer experience,” he said. “Tri Pointe Homes’ exclusive collaboration with Bobby Berk is an ideal formula to help homebuyers envision a life in one of our homes. It’s a unique proposition we believe homebuyers will value.”
Eisenhower Pointe’s new homes are located just four blocks from the Van Dorn Metro station and four miles from the amenities and entertainment offerings of Old Town Alexandria. The four-level townhomes and condominiums, each with rooftop terraces, begin in the low $700s.
The partnership with Berk not only enhances Tri Pointe Homes’ product offerings but also elevates the homebuying experience by integrating top-notch design with practical living solutions. As the demand for thoughtfully designed living spaces increases, Tri Pointe Homes and Bobby Berk are setting new standards in residential design.
Models at Eisenhower Pointe, located at 111 Warburton Street, Alexandria, are open for viewing by scheduling a tour — self-guided tours and in-person or virtual tours with new home advisors are on offer—or call 240-269-2246.
A new interactive map published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shows how rising sea levels will impact Virginia cities, Newsweek reported.
The United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) forecasts global sea levels are likely to rise up by 3.51 feet by 2100 but could possibly rise as high as 6.6 feet above Mean Higher High Water (MHHW).
A 3-foot increase would leave some of the lower parts of King Street’s waterfront fully underwater. Parts of Daingerfield Island and Jones Point Park would be submerged, and all of Four Mile Run Park would be submerged.
Rounding up the 6.6-foot possibility to 7 feet fully submerges Jones Point Park and Daingerfield Island. nearly all of the Old Town waterfront would be underwater, with the new water line reaching three blocks up King Street.
The new MHHW would also expand Cameron Run where it runs up into Eisenhower, as well as fully flooding parts of Huntington south of Alexandria.
Alexandria resident David Marshall, 57, has been arrested on felony and misdemeanor charges for allegedly assaulting law enforcement during the Jan. 6 riot in 2021.
Marshall was arrested on May 1 for multiple alleged assaults on law enforcement officers and on a member of the news media, according to the Department of Justice.
According to the release:
According to court documents, Marshall was identified in open-source and closed-circuit television video footage as present on the West Plaza of the U.S. Capitol grounds on Jan. 6, 2021. Court documents say that Marshall was in the vicinity of the West Plaza from approximately 1:00 pm – 2:27 pm on January 6th. During this period, Marshall allegedly engaged in multiple assaults on law enforcement officers, as well as an assault on a member of the news media. Marshall also assisted other rioters in possessing police equipment and materials, as well as taking police officers’ equipment himself.
It is alleged that at approximately 1:11 pm, Marshall pushed and shoved law enforcement officers in the location of the West Plaza. Shortly after, Marshall picked up a yellow flag and took an officer’s baton and bag. Court documents say that while on the West Plaza, Marshall allegedly assaulted a member of the news media by grabbing the journalist and yanking them down a set of stairs.
The case is being prosecuted by the U.S Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
“In the 39 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,385 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol,” the release said, “including nearly 500 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.”
Good Monday morning, Alexandria!
⛈️ Today’s weather: Showers and thunderstorms are possible after 2 p.m., with fog expected before 11 a.m. Cloudy skies will accompany a high temperature around 81°F and a light west wind at 3-5 mph. A 30% chance of precipitation is expected. For Monday night, showers and storms are likely before 8 p.m. and from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., followed by a chance of showers and patchy fog. The weather will be cloudy with a low around 65°F and calm wind, with a 60% chance of precipitation. Rainfall amounts may vary between a tenth and a quarter-inch, with higher amounts in thunderstorms.
🚨 You need to know
New flights to New England are coming this month to National Airport, the Washington Business Journal reported.
Two new routes will offer nonstop flights to New England via JetBlue.
On May 15, JetBlue will start a daily 4 p.m. flights to Nantucket, Massachusetts, with flights lasting until October. Return flights leave Nantucket at 1:30 p.m. and are expected to arrive before 3:15 p.m.
Washington Business Journal reported that JetBlue will be the only carrier with routes on this flight until American Airlines offers a competing service in June.
JetBlue is also offering flights to Martha’s Vineyard starting on May 24. Those flights will continue until September and run three days per week most of the year with daily service in June. Those flights leave DCA at 12:45 p.m. with return flights departing before 3 p.m. and arriving by 4:45 p.m.
Similar to the Nantucket route, the Washington Business Journal reported that American will offer a competing route in late June.
📈 Friday’s most read
The following are the most-read ALXnow articles for Apr 26, 2024.
- After ‘freak accident’ Steven Peterson wants to get off the sidelines in Alexandria mayoral race (1341 views)
- Police investigating early morning shooting at Southern Towers (1240 views)
- Notes: New chocolate emporium opening this weekend in Old Town (1221 views)
📅 Upcoming events
Here is what’s going on today in Alexandria, from our event calendar.
- No events today. Have one to promote? Submit it to the calendar.
Francis Deonte Rose was found guilty today of two counts of aggravated murder in the 2022 shooting deaths of two construction workers in the West End. The Commonwealth Attorney’s Office is now seeking a life sentence.
After a four-day-long trial, the jury found Rose guilty of two counts of aggravated murder, two counts of use of a firearm in commission of a felony and unlawful entry. He was found not guilty of burglary.
The jury didn’t believe Rose’s assertion that he acted in self-defense when he shot and killed Adrian Dejesus Rivera Guzman, 48, and his stepson, 24-year-old Juan Carlos Anaya Hernandez, on the morning of July 16, 2022 in the northern section of the former Assembly Alexandria apartment complex in the 200 block of Century Place.
“My office will be seeking a sentence of life in prison so that this defendant cannot inflict more harm to innocent civilians,” Commonwealth’s Attorney Bryan Porter said in a statement. “This case was an absolute tragedy, one of the most terrible I’ve seen in a lengthy career filled with tragedies.”
Laura Hernandez said that she wants justice for her husband and son’s killer. Hernandez and her family waited outside the courthouse for hours as the jury came to its decision.
“All I want is justice, nothing else,” Hernandez said. “He killed my husband and my son.”
Police were initially called to the apartment complex in response to a burglary call for service, which then escalated when Rose got into a lethal confrontation with the victims — construction workers on a water break. He first got into a fight with Guzman, shot him in the head, and then engaged in a desperate struggle with Hernandez, who had raced to the scene. Rose shot and killed Hernandez.
Rose was soon tracked down after breaking into another apartment and found by a Fairfax County K-9 officer hiding stark naked under a bed.
Porter said he appreciated the jury’s decision.
“I sincerely appreciate the efforts of the jury, 12 outstanding citizens who were forced to confront the defendant’s atrocities,” he said. “I would like to thank the efforts of the detectives who investigated this matter. I also praise the professional manner in cwhich this case was prosecuted, and praise Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorneys Maana Parcham and Joe Martin for their efforts.”
The sentencing date will be determined next week, Porter said.
It’s been a busy week in Alexandria. There were multiple mayoral and city council forums and debates this week as the city gets closer and closer to the June 18 primary.
The Alexandria Police Department also confirmed the identities of the suspicious death victims last week in the Braddock and Arlandria neighborhoods, but there’s been no other update from police yet in either case.
The most-read stories this week were:
- Notes: Administrative shakeup at Alexandria City High School creates behind-the-scenes tension (18476 views)
- Notes: Alexandria DOESN’T crack New York Times’ Top 25 D.C. area restaurants list (13101 views)
- Former GM sentenced 30 months for embezzling $680K from Hanks Oyster Bar in Old Town (5610 views)
- Alexandria Mayoral candidate Steven Peterson hospitalized after injury (4669 views)
- Police release identity of victim in last week’s suspicious death in Braddock neighborhood (3692 views)
- Alexandria mayoral candidates Gaskins and Jackson reveal contrasting visions in ADC debate (3271 views)
- No charges after woman allegedly assaulted in Del Ray Sunday afternoon (2272 views)
- Police investigating robbery this morning at T-Mobile store in Landmark neighborhood (2112 views)
