Central Virginia schools undergo major upgrades ahead of new school year

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Across Central Virginia, school districts are opening brand-new buildings and completing long-awaited renovations just in time for the 2025-26 academic year.

Historic Reopening in Richmond

One of the region’s most anticipated reopenings is William Fox Elementary School, which had been closed since a devastating fire in 2022. Now, the 111-year-old school in Richmond’s Fan District is once again welcoming students, teachers and families through its doors.

“It’s great to see how the community is really supporting the opening and has supported the school through the whole process,” said parent Madeline Clark.

Fox Elementary Principal Daniela Jacobs described the school's deeper meaning

“William Fox Elementary School is not just a school building. It is a community. It is legacy. It is love," Jacobs said.

The $31 million restoration includes homage to the school’s past — such as a trophy case with original doors salvaged from the fire — along with major modern upgrades like a basement cafeteria, a soundproof "gymnatorium" and a reading instructional suite.

Katie Ricard, PTA president and school board representative, said the investment should set the tone for broader improvements across Richmond Public Schools.

“The average age of a Richmond school is 80 years old. That’s not the case in other areas of Virginia,” Ricard said. “We need help. All our students in Richmond Public Schools should go to buildings like this. Our teachers should teach in buildings like this.”

Richmond is also preparing for the Richmond High School for the Arts -- scheduled to open in fall 2026.

Ongoing Projects Across Central Virginia

Elsewhere in the region, schools are pushing forward with critical upgrades and new facilities:

Petersburg

Petersburg City Public Schools is completing a series of projects under its Phase I Capital Improvement Plan. These include bathroom renovations, asphalt repairs and new exterior paint at several schools — all set to be completed before the new school year begins.

“They have a sense of ownership saying, ‘Wow, I have a brand-new bathroom,’ and they're more prone to want to use those facilities and want to be able to learn,” said Assistant Superintendent Jovanim Martinez.

Hanover County

Hanover recently opened Ashland Elementary School and is moving ahead with several additional construction projects. Ground was broken in March for new replacement buildings at Battlefield Park Elementary and Beaverdam Elementary, both expected to open for the 2026-27 school year. A replacement for Washington-Henry Elementary is scheduled to open in 2027-28.

Construction progress for these projects is being livestreamed, allowing the community to stay engaged in real time.

Chesterfield County

In Chesterfield, the newly opened Davis Elementary School has made history as the county’s first two-story elementary school. The $51 million facility blends modern learning spaces with preserved elements from the original building.

“We are able to stand here today in front of a beautiful new building that will serve generations of students to come,” said Principal Kenya Batts.

“This project is a reflection of what happens when a community comes together with a shared vision for excellence in public education,” added school board member Lisa Hudgins.

The district is also preparing to open Deep Creek Middle School in time for the 2025-26 school year. Other major projects include:

• A replacement for Bensley Elementary, opening in August 2026
• A new west area elementary school, also opening August 2026
• A new west area high school, set to open August 2027

New Kent County

New Kent County Public Schools is nearing completion of a turf and track upgrade at the Ed Allen Jr. Athletic Complex, shared by New Kent Middle and High Schools. The project is expected to wrap up by September 2025.

In November 2024, the county Board of Supervisors approved a $2.7 million Capital Improvement Plan request to fund additional athletic facility upgrades.

King William County

King William schools are enhancing athletic programs through a new turf field installation, aimed at improving student experience and performance.

Lancaster County

Lancaster County is targeting the fall of 2026 for the opening of its new high school, part of a broader effort to modernize facilities for students and staff.

Greensville County

While no new schools are under construction in Greensville, a small HVAC project is set to begin at the high school and will be completed by October 1. Meanwhile, a covered walkway at Greensville Elementary is nearing completion, and the district is drafting a request for proposals for a similar project at Greensville County High School.