Waynesboro Public Schools received the support of City Council to move forward with plans for improvements to the high school that will likely begin in 2026.
In a 3-0 vote, Waynesboro City Council voted to appropriate $1 million to fund the architectural and engineering work needed for the project.
Terry Short, Kenny Lee and Jim Wood voted in favor of the project resolution at its Nov. 25 meeting.
Mayor Lana Williams and Councilman Bruce Allen were not present for the vote. Both Williams and Allen did not seek re-election to City Council in the November election.
The resolution from City Council will give the city the ability to reimburse the general fund when the money is borrowed for the high school renovations.
“It’s an important step to show that the city is supportive of the project, intends to provide funding and demonstrates our intent to finance the project through a future borrowing,” Short told AFP.
“Perhaps more importantly, it gives the school division and the community the confidence to know that the project is moving ahead,” Short said.
The pre-construction process and timeline
The next phase will consist of construction of a new classroom wing, demolition of the existing classroom wing and construction of a new gymnasium.
There is no estimate at this time for the work, although Waynesboro’s Director of Finance Cameron McCormick told City Council members at its meeting that the proposed work could cost up to $60 million.
Waynesboro schools have already selected an architect/engineering firm, according to Dr. Jeffrey Cassell, Waynesboro Public Schools superintendent.
The pre-construction process, according to Cassell, also includes:
- Pre-design/schematic design work and selection of a construction management firm who will manage the construction project and assist with design work and providing cost estimates
- Expanding selected schematic design into design development and construction documents – anticipated completion in December 2025
- Plan reviews, approvals and permitting expected in beginning of 2026
- Construction is anticipated to begin in summer or fall of 2026
Out with the old, in with the new
Classroom wing to be replaced due to ‘significant structural concerns’
The planned renovations include demolishing an antiquated classroom wing and building a modern wing in its place.
“The old wing was built in 1974 and has had no renovation,” said Cassell. “There are also significant structural concerns caused by settlement and damage from thermal expansion.”
The wing includes all the school’s science labs, math classrooms and art rooms.
“These classrooms are not adequate for instruction by today’s standards particularly the science labs which are completely antiquated,” said Cassell. “Therefore, demolishing this wing and building a new addition is deemed to be the most feasible option.”
Current gym not up to standards, scheduling is ‘extremely problematic’
The 1950s gym at Waynesboro High School will also be renovated to provide adequate space for students and after-school sports.
WHS has approximately 900 students. Most schools of this size, Cassell said, have two gyms and scheduling practices and games in the existing space has been a challenge.
“In terms of after-school sports, having one gym is a significant hardship for the many athletic teams who practice and compete using the gym,” Cassell said. “Just trying to schedule practices and games is extremely problematic.”
The gym floor is also 10 feet short of regulation size so WHS cannot host Virginia High School League tournament events.
Related stories
For additional coverage, search “Waynesboro Public Schools” on Augusta Free Press.
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Crystal Graham
