Final beam placed at Bensley Elementary in Chesterfield, marking major construction milestone
VENN
CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Chesterfield County Public Schools (CCPS) has announced that the final beam has been placed for the new Bensley Elementary School.
A milestone was celebrated on Tuesday, May 6, as CCPS held a ceremony celebrating the placement of the final beam in the construction of Bensley Elementary School.
“As we watch that final beam lifted into place, it will be a community vision becoming real,” said School Board Chair Ann Coker. “It’s the result of collaboration, careful planning and shared commitment to providing the best for our children. Modern schools like this one are more than just educational spaces. They’re symbols of hope, opportunity and progress.”
Students and staff of Bensley Elementary, along with school and county leaders, signed and graced the beam with symbols before it was placed on top of the two-story structure.
Chesterfield County Public Schools said the symbol of an evergreen tree represented good luck, a broom stood for “a clean sweep” and the American flag on the beam symbolized the efforts and patriotism of the construction crew.
Bensley Elementary construction (Chesterfield County Public Schools)
Bensley Elementary construction (Chesterfield County Public Schools)
Bensley Elementary construction (Chesterfield County Public Schools)
Bensley Elementary construction (Chesterfield County Public Schools)
Bensley Elementary construction (Chesterfield County Public Schools)
The Bensley Elementary design is based on Chesterfield's elementary school model, along with suggestions from school staff and families -- including the exterior colors of the school.
According to the school division, the new $52 million school is expected to open in 2026, accommodating 1,000 students.
“Today is a celebration not just of construction progress, but of community investment,” said Superintendent Dr. John Murray. “We are topping off a state-of-the-art school building that will serve our students and educators well for decades to come. We can’t wait to welcome students back here in 2026 to a building that honors the legacy of Bensley and provides even greater opportunities for the future.”
For more information about the upcoming plans for Bensley Elementary School, visit the school district's website.
