At Least 52 Washington Schools to Close

WASHINGTON — District of Columbia Public Schools will be spend an estimated $110 million to close about 50 schools and renovate existing facilities, according to reports.

The majority of the schools scheduled to close are elementary schools but some middle and K-8 schools will also close. Students will be accommodated at other schools for the upcoming school year.

The closings should save the district about $23 million in the long run, according to school officials.

About $19 million will be used to convert facilities, such as Francis Middle School and LaSalle Elementary School, into learning centers for pre-kindergarten to eight grade students. More than $9 million will be used to turn off utilities and security systems and move furniture, among other costs.

Renovations to existing schools will include about $56 million to paint walls, repair roofs and restrooms, and make upgrades. About $25.8 million will be set aside for future classroom additions and new facilities at elementary schools that will accommodate sixth- and seventh-grade students.

The $110 million for the projects will come from the school system’s fiscal 2008 capital budget. The district began seeking proposals from independent contractors in March, according to school officials.