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Since 1997, Virginia Beach City Public Schools has spent $219 million to modernize/replace 23 of the city's oldest elementary schools, along with the school division’s maintenance/supply facilities that contain 135,000 square feet of office and workshop space to house support staff. Funding for these projects comes from a combination of Virginia Lottery proceeds and local funding (Charter Bonds, Pay as You Go).
During the 2007-2008 school year, four elementary schools – Brookwood, Windsor Woods, Newtown, and Diamond Springs opened their doors to students. Newtown Elementary, along with the new Diamond Springs Elementary and the existing Bettie F. Williams form the Bayside Tri-Campus. Students attend one of the Bayside Tri-Campus schools based on grade level: Diamond Springs Elementary, grades K & 1; Newtown Elementary, grades 2 & 3; and Bettie F. Williams Elementary, grades 4 & 5. And, construction began on the new Windsor Oaks Elementary School which will be completed in January 2010.
The replacement of Virginia Beach Middle School is in the early stages of construction. This school is designed to maintain the unique, pedestrian oriented, seaside community that reflects the historical cottage style and charm of the original Virginia Beach – a family-oriented beach resort community. The new design and improvements will incorporate features that clearly address quality, safety, and drainage that will compliment the surrounding neighborhood. Quality architectural features and detailing will be incorporated in the design, allowing the school to blend with the surrounding homes.
The Renaissance Academy will be Virginia Beach City Public Schools' new alternative education center serving students in grades 6-12. Construction started on this new facility in October, 2007. Upon completion in early 2010, this school will be "home" for the school division's alternative education programs to include: the Virginia Beach Central Academy, the Center for Effective Learning, the Princess Anne Center for Pregnant Teens, Open Campus Center, and SECEP. The 285,000 square foot 2-story Renaissance Academy is an H-shaped plan with a nucleus of shared spaces connected to academic wings.
Preliminary work on the new replacement for Great Neck Middle School began in January 2008 by holding three public meetings with the purpose of seeking input from the school community. Construction on the new Great Neck Middle School is scheduled to begin in June 2009. The Virginia Beach Pupil Transportation Services Maintenance Facility will relocate from its present location on New York Avenue to the proposed location on Harpers Road in 2010. Design of the combined seventy-eight thousand (78,000) square foot facility will include spaces for staff members for all the critical components of managing the school division’s school bus transportation service to the students.
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