STAUNTON, Va. (WHSV) – Shelburne Middle School in Staunton is asking for funds to begin phase II of its renovation project. Phase II includes a community recreational and event space, collaborative learning spaces, accessible seating and improvements to storage areas and the performance stage in the school’s gym.
Phase I of the project is underway and will be completed in September. Phase I included removing the division’s maintenance department from the basement of the middle school. The space is now being replaced with additional CTE classes, STEM Labs and classrooms. Superintendent of Staunton City Public Schools Garrett Smith said phase II of the renovations would continue to enhance the district and school’s performance.
On Monday night, Smith delivered a presentation on the renovation project at the Staunton City School Board meeting, highlighting the academic achievements within the district, including the district being #1 in Virginia for Growth in SOL Pass Rates, moving from 105th to 45th in rankings. Smith said the stats were meant to emphasize the need for the $6 million to begin phase II of the project.
“Families who value education are going to move to Staunton because they want to place our children in our schools, and we think that we are helping the city’s economic development because we are attractive to prospective business owners who may also want to move to Staunton,” said Smith.
Lisa Warren, principal of Shelburne Middle School, also spoke at the Monday night meeting with city council members, who were also in attendance. Warren said if the budget is approved by the city council, phase II will benefit not only the students and faculty but also the general community. Warren also said the renovations in phase II will allow for more one-on-one instruction with students and faculty, especially with the more vulnerable students in the schools.
“Our instructional goal is to provide a small group setting for students, especially for students with disabilities, so that they get the support that they need,” Warren said. “We currently don’t have the space to do that. Sometimes we are working in the stairwell or working in areas where students are distracted.”
To keep contractors on site and keep the price from fluctuating, Smith said the project needs to begin before the end of 2024.
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