Virginia Beach School Board considers slightly larger class sizes, smaller gym in school consolidation project
Administrators suggest a smaller gym and slightly larger class sizes — moving from 20 to 22 — to save money on a new school to house Bettie F. Williams Elementary and the Bayside Sixth Grade campus. Officials presented the modifications and others at the school board’s most recent work session about replacing the aging schools. The changes could save close to $10 million even though administrators warn the costs could continue to climb because of inflation. The project cost now sits at $106.9 million.
The division wants one campus to house fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade students. It would be built where Williams currently sits. Last year the division sought public input on the plans and entered an agreement with S.B. Ballard Construction Co. to provide 30% of design plans.
The buildings were among the highest candidates for replacement, according to a 2017 long-range facilities plan. Both campuses are in poor condition and more than 60 years old. Princess Anne High School was also named a priority.
Also at the meeting, school administrators — acting on a board request — provided information about moving sixth graders back into Bayside Middle School, rather than combining them with Williams’ fourth and fifth graders. The sixth-grade campus was established in 2014 because the middle school was not meeting required pass rates on English and reading tests and was at risk of losing its accreditation. The split led to smaller class sizes, among other things, and benefited students at both campuses—as evidenced by a rise in test pass rates.
Administrators told board members they are confident students would continue to do well at the middle school because of added support such as instructional coaches, new teaching strategies, additional funds and a more involved community.
“I do believe we are in a better place than we were in the ’14-’15 school year,” said Jim Smith, senior executive director of middle schools.
Enrollment projections also show that the middle school site could absorb the additional students in the short term. Development in the area, however, would bring more students, with projections showing the school could be over capacity as early as 2028-2029, with a “worst-case scenario” of about 700 additional students 10 years out.
Board members expressed different views on moving the sixth graders back and several said they would like to take the idea back to the public before making a decision.
In February, the board discussed postponing replacement plans for Princess Anne and Bayside high schools because of inflation. But the new options for what to do with the Bayside Sixth Grade Campus may bring the Princess Anne project back on the table. The board will hear an update about that project in June before making decisions.
Nour Habib, nour.habib@virginiamedia.com
