Nottoway school board votes to close Burkeville Elementary effective Jan. 15, 2026

The Nottoway County School Board voted Aug. 14 to close Burkeville Elementary effective Jan. 15, 2026, after members debated timing, community impacts and next steps for property disposition.

Chair (speaker 6) introduced a motion to close Burkeville during the meeting and initially proposed an effective date in mid‑November before moving to amend the motion to set Jan. 15, 2026 as the closure date. The board approved the amended motion by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

Superintendent Doctor Martin told the board staff would prepare options for repurposing or selling the site and asked the school office to present proposals following the formal closure decision. Board counsel (speaker 6) cited Virginia Code §22.1‑129 to clarify that if the division seeks to sell the property it must obtain local governing‑body (board of supervisors) approval and hold a public hearing; any retention of sale proceeds likewise requires that approval.

Members and staff discussed likely ripple effects and community services relocation needs if the building closes. Board members specifically noted Feedmore, a local food provider that currently operates at or uses space tied to the building, may need longer lead time to relocate and that temporary spaces or rental arrangements should be explored. A board member volunteered to contact realtors to assess marketability and possible buyers.

Staff described programmatic options if the building closes, including redistricting primary grades (pre‑K–5) across nearby primary schools, moving the alternative school into the vacated intermediate building and using modular classrooms where needed. Superintendent Martin and staff emphasized they would prepare proposals that include space and staffing implications rather than final implementation plans.

Board members also discussed the likely financial picture: the division’s records show a notional current book value of approximately $2,100,000 for the property, but staff reported an estimate from the Virginia Department of Education that bringing the building up to standard could cost in the order of $13 million, a figure members called a planning estimate and a reason to consult the board of supervisors and defer detailed decisions until a work session.

The board directed staff to gather additional data and present options at a forthcoming work session, including outreach to potential renters and an assessment of relocation timelines for community partners. The chair said the district will follow the statutory sale process should the board pursue surplus designation and sale.

Next steps: staff will prepare proposals and property data for the planned August work session and coordinate necessary public hearings and any actions involving the board of supervisors.