Silver Line versus Schools

I just skimmed FCPS' Capital Improvement Plan for 2008. It identifies a need for $1.9 billion in new capital investment to construct and, mainly, to remodel and update schools and related facilities. This is through 2016. It also notes that $1.3 billion has not been funded (i.e., bonded). Even by Fairfax County standards, this is a lot of money, especially for a school system that will not see increases in its total student population.

But can we afford not to keep our facilities current, safe and efficient? Wouldn't it be nice if we could actually have hot water at Longfellow Middle School?

Here's a serious question that Scott Monett and his Silver Line crowd should answer: What happens to the schools' capital needs when Fairfax County taxpayers are forced to fund cost-overruns for the construction of the Silver Line? Remember that's the big project that will cost billions, but not reduce traffic congestion.

Will we see a battle over funding West Group's train versus updating our schools? If not, why not?