In a pivotal meeting held on December 18, 2023, the Campbell County Schools Board made significant strides in advancing two major construction projects, reflecting a commitment to improving educational facilities in the region.

The first item on the agenda was the approval of a revised bid for the roof replacement at Riley Elementary School. Originally estimated at $668,250, the revised budget came in at a much lower $314,300, marking a substantial cost reduction. Kirkin Roofing was awarded the contract after submitting the best bid, a decision that board members unanimously supported. This project is part of a broader roof replacement schedule aimed at enhancing the infrastructure of Campbell County Schools.

The board then turned its attention to the highly anticipated construction of the new Grand Slick Elementary School. This project, located on Nagle Road, includes comprehensive site development, such as parking and bus drop-off areas. Monarch Construction was awarded the bid, with a total base cost of $34,088,000, which includes several alternates for additional features like emergency communication systems and rain improvements. Notably, the board discussed a waiver request to adjust window height regulations to allow for more natural light, aligning with the district's project-based learning curriculum.

The total projected cost for the Grand Slick Elementary project is approximately $40.36 million, which includes contingencies and other associated costs. Board members expressed their excitement over the progress, emphasizing the long-awaited nature of these projects, which had faced delays due to regulatory hurdles and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the meeting concluded, the board's decisions underscored a proactive approach to enhancing educational environments, ensuring that Campbell County Schools continue to meet the needs of its students and staff. The community can look forward to these developments as they promise to foster a more conducive learning atmosphere.