ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The School Board spent two hours Thursday night on four ways to add middle school seats and ended by asking for a fifth: what happens if it does nothing.

No vote was taken. Staff presented the comparison as an information item, and board members used the work session to list what they want before the capital budget work sessions begin. Acting Superintendent Grace Taylor presents her proposed FY 2028-2037 Capital Improvement Program on Nov. 5. At staff’s request, the board agreed by consensus to take up capacity at the first work session, Nov. 12, rather than the second, so the numbers are in hand before the Nov. 16 joint meeting with City Council.

“We’re not here to really make any hard decisions,” Chair Christopher Harris said in opening the meeting. “We’re just trying to get an update on where we are.”