Board may reorganize elementary schools

By Bob Stuart

Published: August 14, 2008

VERONA — A preliminary concept for elementary school changes unveiled by Augusta County school administrators Thursday could lead to major expansions of Cassell, Wilson and Riverheads elementary schools and the closing of Beverley Manor and Ladd elementary schools.
Augusta County Superintendent Gary McQuain presented the potential scenario to school board members, and said he was told to look at elementary improvements after the recent renovation of both Stuarts Draft and Wilson Memorial high schools.
“This is extremely preliminary,’’ said McQuain. The superintendent said there will be another work session on the idea in September.
School board members say if they approve of the concept, they will likely meet with Augusta County Supervisors about it in October or November.
North River board member Nick Collins said the last time a similar concept was put together in Augusta County was in the early 1990s, when a master plan for the renovation of the county’s high schools was designed.
Under McQuain’s concept, the renovations and expansions to Cassell, Wilson and Riverheads elementary schools would individually cost more than $12 million.
Beverley Manor, which is located outside Staunton, was built in the late 1950s. McQuain said about 52 percent of the elementary school’s students could go to nearby Churchville Elementary, and the remaining 48 percent would go to the enhanced Riverheads Elementary.
“Churchville has been underutilized,’’ Collins said of the school.
The bulk of the students at Ladd, an aging elementary school located in the middle of Waynesboro’s West End commercial sprawl, would go to the expanded Cassell and Wilson elementary schools.
Middle River board member David Shiflett said the changes could lead to a greater efficiency of staff.
Collins said while there would be two fewer schools, principals and cafeterias, additional administrators and teachers would be needed at the expanded schools.
Board members say they were hearing about the new elementary school concept for the first time Thursday, and needed time to think about it.