Residents and educators press New Kent supervisors to replace aging elementary school
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Summary
Multiple residents, parents, volunteers and teachers urged the board to move forward on replacing New Kent Elementary School, citing recurring HVAC failures, windowless classrooms, enrollment growth and health concerns; the school division urged readiness to begin design work.
A steady stream of residents, volunteers and teachers used the Jan. 13 citizen comment period to press the New Kent County Board of Supervisors to prioritize replacing New Kent Elementary School.
Speakers included Elizabeth Romenko, who called renovation "not a fiscally responsible solution" in light of ongoing construction and mechanical problems, and Kimberly Delandro, a 21‑year resident and former student who said the county needs a larger, modern facility to serve growing enrollment.
First‑grade teacher Heather Butler described repeated HVAC failures, leaky roofs, windowless classrooms and bus‑loop problems that disrupt instruction and increase maintenance costs. Butler, who said she has taught at New Kent Elementary for six years, asked the board to support building a new facility that would better serve students and staff.
School administration and design consultants later told the board the engineering and design phase will cost roughly $2.46 million overall and that current school funds plus the requested transfer would complete funding for the design phase. School representatives said delaying design work risks failure of critical systems during winter and complicates construction timing.
Speakers asked the board to outline a clear funding timeline. Board members replied that they hear the concerns and will consider school funding options at an upcoming March budget retreat.
