New Kent Board of Supervisors deny transfer request to initiate construction of new elementary school

A request for additional supplemental funding to launch the process of building a new elementary school in New Kent has been denied by county leaders.

New Kent supervisors denied a proposal for supplemental funding in the amount of $130,732.99 by a 2-3 vote in front of a packed boardroom during Tuesday night’s regular meeting.

Over the past few months, discussions between New Kent’s School Board and New Kent County’s Board of Supervisors circled around the construction of a “new” New Kent Elementary School building. The proposed building would be located behind the current elementary school, with a proposal of three stories at the cost of $60 million.

Prior to voting, concerns were raised by the public over the current conditions of New Kent Elementary School.

“Students and staff are exposed to mold and allergens,” commented Amber Lacey, a parent of a child attending New Kent Elementary School. “Two of my children went to that school and had to take allergy medicine during the year. Once they left that building, they didn’t need their daily medications.”

New Kent County Administrator Rodney Hathaway spoke about the transfer request. The school currently has $2,329,820 in their set aside account for construction and were awaiting the transfer request to proceed with engineering and design phase costs. The transfer amount would come from the Colonial Downs Reserve Funds.

But the county administrator added that no matter what happens with the transfer, there would be a tax increase in the future to address the needs for the future school. And while the board agreed that something needed to be done, concerns about fiscal responsibility and seeing counties go bankrupt over money issues has raised several concerns.

District 2 representative John Moyer made a positive recommendation in favor of approving the transfer for the new schools. District 5 leader Jordan Stewart also voted positively. However, District 1 representative Thomas Evelyn, District 3 supervisor Amy Pearson, and District 4 leader Ron Stiers voted in opposition, citing concerns and questions about the financial well-being of the county’s status.

After the meeting, New Kent Superintendent of Schools Brian Nichols was dismayed about the decision made by county leaders.

“The biggest setback is in maintenance and upkeep of New Kent Elementary School,” the superintendent said. “I appreciate everyone that came out and supported this project.

“We are dealing with cost of escalation of five to eight percent each year,” Nichols added. “Until we get into there with the full design, we don’t have a cost and we know it’s going to escalate.”