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School board member urges urgency on New Kent Elementary rebuild; clarifies superintendent’s role
Summary
School board member Heather Maid Dombrowski told the Board of Supervisors she supports rebuilding New Kent Elementary rather than renovating, cited the 2023 master plan from Moseley Architects and clarified that the superintendent is the division’s representative for facility matters under school policy file CBA.
Heather Maid Dombrowski, a member of the New Kent County School Board, addressed the Board of Supervisors during citizens' comments on Aug. 11 to respond to criticisms about the school board's advocacy for rebuilding New Kent Elementary. "I am deeply concerned about the consequences of delaying this project," Dombrowski said, adding that she supports reconstruction over renovation and that delays increase costs "at least 5% to 8% additional costs every year that it's delayed."
Dombrowski cited the December 2023 New Kent Elementary School Master Plan Study by Moseley Architects and prior joint meetings where board and supervisors visited the school. She stressed that New Kent County Public Schools policy manual file CBA designates the superintendent to oversee facilities management and to represent the division to local or state agencies that oversee building requirements or financing. "In short, Dr. Nichols was just carrying out his responsibilities that he was hired to fulfill," she said.
Supervisors responded that they are still reviewing the 50-page December document and that questions remain about renovation versus replacement and cost details. Supervisor Mr. Evelyn said he is "still digesting" the material and requested more detailed cost breakdowns before committing to a path. The board did not take formal action on the item at the Aug. 11 meeting.
Next steps: the discussion foreshadowed continued coordination between the school division and county staff; Dombrowski asked for improved inter-board communication and offered school board members' help to reduce misunderstanding.
