Yesterday Hanover County Public Schools hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony and celebrated the opening of Ashland Elementary School. The celebration included hundreds of families, community members, students, school and county leaders, and other distinguished guests, and was followed by guided tours of the new school.
From Left: John Budesky, County Administrator; Faye Prichard, Board of Supervisors (Ashland District); Karen Lynne, School Board (Ashland District); Bob May, School Board (South Anna District); Kristin Haas, Ashland Elementary School Principal; Dr. Lisa Pennycuff, HCPS Interim Superintendent; Josh Bower, CRA; Tom Evans, Southwood Builders.
The new Ashland Elementary school is a consolidation of two schools housing grades Pre K-5. The new school will be home to 800 students and will provide student centered, modern educational learning spaces to include flexible furniture, technology and outdoor learning spaces. It is designed around a “main street” and includes a media center, gymnasium, cafeteria that will be accessible from each grade level wing.
Ashland Elementary is the first new school building in Hanover County since 2008. “This state-of-the art facility represents more than just bricks and mortar; it embodies our commitment to providing Ashland students with the best possible environment for their learning and growth,” said Dr. Lisa Pennycuff, HCPS Interim Superintendent. “With spacious and bright classrooms that were designed to foster innovation, collaborative space to facilitate unity, and recognition of the rich histories of both Henry Clay and John M. Gandy elementary schools, Ashland Elementary School is a school that will be a beacon in the community it serves.”
The construction of Ashley Elementary is the first of several school construction projects currently underway in HCPS. The replacement school buildings of Battlefield Park Elementary School, Beaverdam Elementary School, and Washington-Henry Elementary School have all begun.
Click here to see WRIC ABC8 News coverage of the ribbon cutting ceremony.
