New Kent School Board approves $4.9 million CIP for FY2026-27

A modification of Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) for New Kent Public Schools was brought before the school board Tuesday night.

School board members heard and approved a recommendation from school leaders and administration referencing repairs and school upgrades needed for the future.

Among some of the requests that were recommended for consideration to the school board include roof replacement at New Kent High School ($210,138.62), HVAC replacement at the high school ($1,057,248), and switch gear replacement and repairs ($377,704).

Instructional needs for additional classroom spaces were also addressed, with 10 classroom additions at New Kent Middle School coming in with a price tag of $5,437,500. Expansion for more classrooms at George Watkins Elementary School carried a cost of $6,718,750.

The big ticket item remaining on the slate is the request for a “new” New Kent Elementary School. That price tag comes in at $58 million (see related story on page one).

Athletic needs requested include tennis court upgrades ($976,278) with the possibility of a 50-year warranty after spending $65,000 for repairs last year. Other athletic requested projects include a new entryway for the athletic stadium, an upgraded concession stand and restrooms, as well as outdoor locker rooms and storage space. Upgrades to lighting around all of the stadiums were also requested.

Transportation projects total $752,850.20, with general operations CIP costs at $2,582,596.60. In total with instructional needs and athletics, while excluding classroom additions, the total CIP request came in at $4,979,540.80.

School board leaders approved the updated proposed CIP plan, which will now head to county leadership to review and for future consideration.