What does WCPSS consider when looking for new school sites?
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A: WCPSS considers the school system’s needs, location, size of property, public utilities availability, road access, land cost, zoning, traffic and transportation issues, proximity to other schools, length of time for acquisition, opportunities for joint-use (library, park, etc.) with Wake County or municipalities, topography (wetlands, unusual features that would make the land costly to develop), and cost. Typically, WCPSS needs 19 acres for an elementary, including nine acres for compliance with environmental regulations and local ordinances; 31 acres for a middle school, 14 of which are for regulations; and 65 acres for a high school, including 28 acres for regulations.
Due to the scarcity of suitable land, the cost per acre has skyrocketed. While WCPSS paid $15,000 per acre for Knightdale High in 2000, the average cost paid in 2006 has been $87,000 per acre.