And we're off

 

County and school officials move dirt in the ceremonial ground breaking

County and school officials gathered in front of a huge bulldozer on a gravel lined clearing west of Bulldog Way in Courthouse Village on Thursday, February 9 for a ceremonial groundbreaking for the new Goochland Elementary School. Dirt started moving at the site shortly after signing construction contracts a few weeks ago.

This is the first elementary school built in the county since that late 50’s and is badly needed. Discussion of how, when, and where to replace GES have been ongoing for most of the 21^st century. An initiative to renovate and expand GES about 15 years ago was quietly scrapped.

Thanks to collaboration of county supervisors and administration, school board, and school division, involving many “difficult” conversations and decisions, a successful bond referendum on the November 2021 ballot was approved by more than 80 percent of Goochland voters. This authorized the county to issue general obligation bonds to provide most of the funding for the approximately $57 million school.

GES principal Tina McCay ready for  a new school

The 700 student capacity of the new GES will accommodate expected growth in our school division.

Comments made during the ceremony signal that this is not just another public building, but rather a pathway to the future as it forms the leaders of tomorrow’s world.

Superintendent of Schools Jeremy Raley Ed. D. introduced the color guard from the Goochland Marine Corps Junior ROTC program. GES third grader Victor Sokoloff led the pledge of allegiance.

GHS MCJRROTC 

Raley then thanked those whose hard work made the day possible. Director Finance Debbie White, who played a critical role in the visioning and design of the new school, keeping the project on schedule and “asking important questions along the way to ensure that this project will serve our community well for many years to come."

Debbie White will be on site often during construction

Raley recognized and thanked the school board for its hard work. He thanked strong leadership from county administration, community development department, finance, and legal services for support on the project, including speedy permit approval to keep the project on schedule. The new GES is expected to welcome students in August, 2024.

Board of Supervisors’ Vice Chair Charlie Vaughters, District 4, said that the new GES is a great example of what can be accomplished when the supervisors, school board and divisions, and county administration come together to find solutions that benefit all citizens. To maintain the fiscal responsibility and balanced budgets that Goochland has had for years, said Vaughters, “we often take a more with less approach. It takes hard work of committed individuals to make that happen.  Goochland Schools need this new asset. I can’t wait to see GES rise on this site and provide educational opportunities for our students for years to come.”

School Board Chair Sandra Barefoot-Reid, District 1, said that she has been involved with Goochland public schools since 1972 and has witnessed their triumphs and their failures. She was part of the construction of Goochland high school, middle school, and now GES. Without the dedication of current and former school boards, county administration and support of the board of supervisors and community “we would not be standing here today. Thank you, Goochland County.”

County Administrator Vic Carpenter labeled the groundbreaking a great day for Goochland County. “The last time we built a school in Goochland County, many of us were not alive.” The new GES, he said, is likely the largest investment in the county’s history. “Right now, it’s raw land, full of promise, hopes, and dreams, not unlike the students who will enter and learn here. Our children represent the best in us.”

Raley said that the new GES will have a lasting impact on every student that walks through its doors. “It will be an academic hub to provide learning for years to come in a way that connects the school to the beautiful nature around it. It will be a space of discovery, support and optimism,” he said. “Education is vastly different than it was 50 years ago and we cannot imagine how it will change over the next 50. This school will be a long-lasting legacy for thousands of students in the years to come.”

Jeff Boehm, President of Howard Shockey and Sons, (shockeybuilds.com) project contractor, said he never fails to get excited about building a new school “because you never know who will walk through those doors and what their impact on the community and world will be.” He thanked Goochland for trusting his company to build its school.

Dr. Bill Bradley of Stantec, architect for the project, said that his firm is often asked to work from a prototype for a building. The new GES, he said, was designed by Goochland from the inside out and will be like no other school.

The road to breaking ground for the new GES was long, winding, and a bit of a leap of faith. May it rise swiftly from Goochland’s red clay soil and lay the foundation for the education of our children for generations.

Go to https://www.goochlandschools.org/page/new-ges-construction-project for details about the new GES and check back often for construction updates.