New Kent Historic School to become home of Rappahannock Community College satellite campus

New Kent's Historic School will open doors for Rappahannock Community College students this fall.

In March 2013, New Kent supervisors voted to renovate the Historic School in hopes of converting it into an elementary school for the county. But with major snags in 2014 that included Marengo Management electing not to continue the second phase of the renovation project and eliminating the notion of a third elementary school, the building has sat vacant for nearly a year. Now, the Historic School will be the home of higher education after a unanimous vote of approval from New Kent leaders.

A 5-0 vote to lease the newly renovated building to Rappahannock Community College (RCC) marks a first in New Kent. The institution will become the first college in the county, with the Historic School serving as a satellite campus.

“This has been something that I’ve been looking forward to for a very long time,” said District 5 representative Ray Davis. “I expect to see great things happen there.”

As part of a leasing agreement between New Kent and RCC, approximately 6,250 square feet (about 10 classrooms) will be used in the building. The agreement is for five years, with an option for an additional five years that can be enacted on twice upon completion of the first term. RCC will pay $65,415 as part of the deal.

Rappahannock Community College will hold day and night classes at the new location beginning in Fall 2015. Initial course offerings include college transfer courses, nursing, emergency medical training (EMT), and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) classes. More classes are expected when the school transitions into year two.

Supervisors voiced high praise for the move, complimenting representatives of the school and how the location will benefit New Kent citizens.

“When we first started renovations on that building, it was intended to be a school,” commented District 1 representative Thomas Evelyn. “Now, we have that school that will benefit New Kent.”

“The addition of Rappahannock Community College will help New Kent move forward,” added District 4 representative Ron Stiers. “I can truly say this has been one of the best things to happen to New Kent since my tenure on the board began.”

Registration for classes at the New Kent campus is now available. For more information or to register, visit Rappahannock Community College’s website at www.rccva.org/newkent.