Virginia Beach schools present options to convert tri campus to two-school model; administration recommends PreK–5

The Virginia Beach School Division administration recommended on March 20 converting the tri campus into two PreK–5 elementary schools and asked the school board for direction and public engagement before finalizing a plan.

Melissa Ingram, executive director of facility services, and Dr. Melanie Hamblin, senior executive director of elementary schools, presented two options: (1) two full PreK–5 schools (their preferred recommendation) and (2) a split campus with PreK–1 at one building and grades 2–5 at the other. Dr. Hamblin said the PreK–5 model “provides stability, supporting students' social, emotional, and academic development” and simplifies family communication and transitions.

Ingram told the board the division estimates the capital work to add needed classroom space would be “$25,000,000 or less” as programmed in the proposed FY26 CIP and that both models are roughly cost-neutral from the CIP perspective because existing buildings can accommodate expanded grade spans. She said projected enrollment for the two buildings would be roughly 1,280 to 1,320 students.

Board members pressed for community engagement and more detailed staffing and zoning analysis before selecting a final model. Dr. Green asked whether administrators had met building leaders and requested formation of a committee to preserve the Betty F. Williams name if reconfiguration affects that campus. Several board members, including Ms. Malek and Vice Chair Weems, said public input sessions are necessary; Dr. Robertson and staff agreed to schedule community meetings and return with more detail, estimating 4–6 weeks to produce a community engagement plan and next steps.

Board members asked for clarity on rezoning complexity and staffing implications. Administration said rezoning would be handled through the Building Utilization Committee and that both options would require added classroom space (estimated 18–22 classrooms depending on the option) but that many support positions (school psychologists, social workers, behavior specialists) would continue to be shared across sites.

The presentation did not include a final vote. Instead the board directed staff to plan community meetings and return with options and implementation details; Dr. Robertson said the administration would provide suggested dates and that one required community meeting must be held if a change moves more than 10% of a school population.

The board asked that staff be mindful of community calendars when scheduling meetings and requested marketable, clear communications about the options and implications for families.