Waynesboro Public Schools has gained City Council’s approval to proceed with high school improvements slated to start in 2026.
City Council unanimously allocated $1 million in a 3-0 vote to cover the architectural and engineering work for the project. Council members Terry Short, Kenny Lee, and Jim Wood supported the resolution during the Nov. 25 meeting. Mayor Lana Williams and Councilman Bruce Allen were absent, as both opted not to seek re-election in November.
The resolution enables the city to reimburse its general fund once borrowing occurs for the high school renovations.
“This is an important step to demonstrate the city’s commitment to funding the project and our intent to finance it through future borrowing,” Short told AFP. “More importantly, it provides the school division and community confidence that the project is progressing.”
Pre-Construction Process and Timeline
The upcoming phase involves constructing a new classroom wing, demolishing the current one, and building a new gymnasium. While exact costs are undetermined, Waynesboro’s Director of Finance Cameron McCormick informed City Council the project could reach $60 million.
Waynesboro schools have already chosen an architect/engineering firm, according to Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Cassell. The pre-construction process includes:
- Pre-design/schematic design work and hiring a construction management firm to oversee the project, assist with design, and estimate costs.
- Expanding schematic designs into detailed construction documents, expected to finish by December 2025.
- Completing plan reviews, approvals, and permits by early 2026.
- Starting construction in summer or fall of 2026.
Replacing an Outdated Classroom Wing
The classroom wing slated for demolition was built in 1974 and has never been renovated. It suffers from significant structural concerns caused by settlement and thermal expansion.
“The wing houses all our science labs, math classrooms, and art rooms, which are outdated and inadequate by today’s standards,” Cassell explained. “The science labs, in particular, are completely antiquated. Demolishing and rebuilding is the most viable solution.”
Gymnasium Upgrades to Address Critical Needs
The 1950s gym will also undergo renovations to provide sufficient space for the school’s 900 students and its athletic programs. Cassell noted that schools of similar size typically have two gyms, and scheduling practices and games in the existing space has been challenging.
“Having only one gym is a major hurdle for our athletic teams, creating significant scheduling conflicts,” Cassell said. Additionally, the gym floor is 10 feet shorter than regulation size, preventing WHS from hosting Virginia High School League tournaments.