Agency official highlights $88 million renovation at George Washington High School

An agency official for Danville Public Schools described an $88 million renovation at George Washington High School, saying the project — funded mostly by a 1% sales tax, with some grants — upgraded classrooms, athletics and career-technical facilities.

“When the environment suits the needs of the students, the students perform better,” the official said, arguing that improved facilities drive academic and post‑high school success.

The official said the 1% sales tax enabled a series of capital projects across the district, including the George Washington renovation, a new building at Arnet Hills Elementary, renovations at Langston and a new central office. The official emphasized that the levy’s proceeds, supplemented by grants, paid for the bulk of the GW work.

At GW, the official said the district updated athletic facilities, including the weight room in use during the remarks, and added a fitness lab for students and staff. Security upgrades include a new secure front office with two vestibules and an upgraded metal detector system at building entry points.

Career and technical education spaces were renovated and expanded, the official said, citing updated nursing and dental classrooms, upgrades to auto mechanics and the return of cosmetology. The speaker listed additions to the CTE offerings including mechatronics, aviation and a program the speaker referred to as “aggracience.” “We have the most comprehensive CTE programs of any high school within the state,” the official said, adding that the school now offers eight programs and 21 pathways.

Classroom renovations included work on the science wing to add electrical and infrastructure capacity not present in the original building. Athletic updates included a fully refurbished baseball field with new lighting and irrigation and a new track facility. The official said those improvements allow the school to host district and regional events, which the district expects will bring community visitors and fans.

The official said the auditorium was renovated; the speaker’s reference to an original construction year as the “545 school year” was unclear in the transcript and no calendar year was specified. The speaker called the new 2,200‑seat gym the project’s “crown jewel,” noting it will host events such as the Harry Johnson Classic and, through coordination with the Piedmont district, district basketball playoffs.

The official concluded that renovated spaces have fostered renewed pride and engagement among students and staff and that George Washington High School serves as a flagship and centerpiece for the community. No formal votes or next procedural steps were stated in the remarks.