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County delays funding for New Kent Elementary rebuild; school division vows to continue design work
Summary
Board of supervisors delayed funding for the New Kent Elementary replacement project; division officials said design work will continue and urged supervisors and board members to renew advocacy to secure financing.
The New Kent County School Board was told Monday that the Board of Supervisors decided to delay funding for the planned New Kent Elementary School, but division leaders said they will continue with design work and advocacy.
Superintendent Doctor Nichols told the board the supervisors decided to delay the project after a recent work session. Nichols said the division still has funds set aside and a concept and architect ready for design, and he urged continued advocacy to avoid further postponements.
Nichols said the division spent about $30,000 this spring to keep aging HVAC equipment running and reiterated safety and facility issues at the elementary school. "We still believe that that is the right path, and what our students at New Kent Elementary School deserve," he said.
Board members pressed for more engagement with supervisors and noted that supervisors had received feasibility and cost comparisons showing that a rebuild was preferable to renovation. Board member Kevin Vaught urged sustained pressure on supervisors and said letting the funding "lie now for another year, I think, is a mistake."
Division leaders said they have convened a design committee, that some funding remains available for design work, and that they plan to meet with New Kent Elementary faculty to explain next steps and commitments.
No formal action was taken at the school board meeting. Board members volunteered to continue advocacy with their supervisor representatives and requested any additional financial breakdowns or materials that supervisors reported not receiving.
Why it matters: The timing of capital funding affects project costs, the division’s maintenance choices and classroom conditions. School officials said continuing delays could force additional temporary repairs and undermine the division’s scheduling for construction and equipment replacements.
