The existing King and Queen Elementary School (KQES) has deteriorated significantly, making it unsuitable for long-term use. Structural issues, outdated facilities, and limited capacity to meet modern educational standards necessitate the construction of a new facility to provide a safe, high-quality learning environment for students.

The original KQES building is uninhabitable due to structural deficiencies, outdated infrastructure, and safety concerns. A temporary facility is currently in use but is only a short-term solution. The lack of modern classroom technology, inadequate space, and inefficiencies in energy use further contribute to the challenges faced by students and faculty.

The original KQES building will be decommissioned and will not be renovated for future use as a school facility. However, the future use of the site, as well as the disposition of other existing school buildings, will be determined by the King and Queen County School Board.

The goal is to create a state-of-the-art academic campus that fosters 21st-century learning, integrates modern technology, and supports innovative educational programs. The project aims to cultivate a cohesive learning community, enhance student engagement, and contribute to workforce readiness by offering specialized programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), digital literacy, and environmental sciences.

The King and Queen County School Board, as the owner of these buildings, will evaluate potential repurposing options. Possibilities include community use, conversion into administrative or training space, or sale for private development. A public input process may be conducted to assess community needs.

The current Average Daily Membership (ADM) is approximately 560 students, reflecting a decline in recent years. While enrollment has decreased, the new facility is designed to adapt to potential future growth, ensuring that it can accommodate fluctuating student populations without compromising learning quality.

The new school will feature modern classrooms equipped with interactive learning tools, flexible learning spaces, and enhanced accessibility. The improved infrastructure will enable differentiated instruction, hands-on learning opportunities, and the integration of technology to enhance engagement and academic outcomes. Research indicates that high-quality learning environments contribute to improved student performance, attendance, and teacher retention.

The new school will be built on a 61-acre parcel acquired by King and Queen County in 2024. This property adjoins the existing King and Queen Central High School campus, forming a 91-acre educational hub designed to facilitate shared resources, extracurricular collaboration, and long-term educational planning.

Transportation routes will be reassessed to optimize efficiency, reduce travel times, and ensure student safety. The King and Queen County School Board will conduct a transportation study to evaluate potential modifications to bus routes and drop-off/pick-up logistics.

A comprehensive site evaluation is underway as part of the master planning process in collaboration with Grimm + Parker Architects. Infrastructure improvements will likely include:

• Expansion of road access and traffic flow modifications to accommodate school-related traffic

• Upgrades to utility services, including water, electricity, and HVAC systems

• Expansion of high-speed internet and digital learning infrastructure to support technology integration in classrooms

Yes. Per the announcement in March 2025, the county has engaged Grimm + Parker Architects to develop a long-term master plan for school infrastructure and educational facility development. The plan will guide future expansion, facility maintenance, and integration of innovative learning spaces.

A detailed cost assessment is currently underway. Costs will be influenced by factors such as design specifications, sustainability features, and infrastructure improvements.

Funding for the project will primarily come from bonds issued by King and Queen County in 2022, supplemented by general fund reserves. The county will also explore additional funding opportunities, including state grants, federal education funding, and public-private partnerships.

At this time, no immediate tax increases are anticipated. The county has strategically allocated resources to minimize financial strain while ensuring that the project is executed efficiently within budgetary constraints.

The school design will focus on:

• Flexible learning environments with adaptable classroom spaces

• Integrated technology for interactive and remote learning opportunities

• Enhanced safety features, including secure entry points and emergency response systems

• Sustainability initiatives, such as energy-efficient lighting, HVAC systems, and green building materials

The anticipated timeline is as follows:

• 2024-2025: Planning and design phase

• 2025-2026: Site preparation and infrastructure improvements

• 2026-2027: Construction phase

• Fall 2027: Expected school opening for student occupancy

• The site design will ensure minimal interference with existing school operations.

• Construction activities will be scheduled to avoid peak school hours.

• Clear communication with parents, teachers, and residents will ensure transparency regarding construction progress and potential impacts..

The county will facilitate community engagement meetings, distribute surveys, and establish advisory committees that include educators, parents, and local business leaders to provide input throughout the process.

The county will provide real-time project updates through:

• This webpage

• Regular social media updates

• Public meetings and workshops with opportunities for Q&A

• Updates at County Board of Supervisors meetings

The county will implement regular progress reports, public budget disclosures, and open forums for community feedback. Additionally, contact information for project coordinators will be made available for direct inquiries.

A modern, high-quality school system is a key factor in attracting families and businesses. Enhanced educational facilities can drive local economic growth, support workforce development, and encourage young families to establish long-term roots in the community.

The school’s maintenance and operations will be funded through a combination of federal, state, and local educational funding. A proactive maintenance plan will be implemented to ensure long-term sustainability and protect the county’s investment.