New Kent school board urges community to press supervisors for new elementary school funding
Summary
During public comment and board discussion Dec. 2, a resident urged county supervisors to fund a replacement for New Kent Elementary School; board members unanimously endorsed the project, cited facility deficiencies and capacity concerns, and asked residents to contact supervisors ahead of budget decisions.
A resident urged the New Kent County Board of Supervisors to approve funding for a replacement New Kent Elementary School during public comment at the School Board’s Dec. 2 meeting, and school board members unanimously backed the call.
"This will alleviate some of the ongoing issues with maintenance... as well as address incoming capacity issues as the county's growth increases," commenter Mister Roberts said, urging listeners "to make it known to your supervisor" that the replacement is a priority. Board members then used their time during the meeting to amplify that appeal to the public.
Board members described specific problems at the existing elementary school. Board member Mister Vaught said the school's layout creates a poor learning environment and lacks necessary safety features, calling the building "one of the worst environments in terms of learning" and urging constituents to contact supervisors. Board member Miss Cooney said she was "disturbed" that some classrooms at New Kent Elementary "do not have windows," and asked residents to visit the building to see conditions for themselves.
Several members framed the request as urgent and tied it to the division’s overall student performance. Miss Dombrowski and others asked residents to ensure supervisors hear voices supporting the project, noting that budget forums have shown staff consistently prioritize New Kent Elementary. "If you're listening in the community, this needs to be raised," Mister Vaught said.
Superintendent Dr. Nichols said staff and participants at recent budget forums consistently placed New Kent Elementary as a top priority and reiterated that funding requires supervisors' approval. He also announced a community budget forum scheduled for Dec. 9 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Historic Courthouse Boardroom and invited community members to attend to discuss budget priorities.
Next steps: the board urged members of the public to contact their county supervisors and attend the Dec. 9 budget forum to register support for the replacement project. The School Board did not itself vote on funding during the meeting; any capital funding would require action by the Board of Supervisors.
