After years of waiting, the groundbreaking for the new Grant’s Lick Elementary School has been scheduled.
The Campbell County Board of Education voted Monday to award the bid for constructing the new elementary school. It announced in a news release that the groundbreaking will be scheduled for early 2024, with the project estimated to reach completion in June 2025.
The project has been in the works since 2019 when the district purchased 80 acres at 293 Nagel Road near Plum Creek Church due to the age of the current building, built in 1936. The district said Monday’s decision comes after a comprehensive planning process and work to get all permits and approvals from the necessary entities.
“It’s just been a long time coming,” said board member Rich Mason. “I can tell you how happy I am that we’re finally here. Just so the public is aware, we were ready to do this. I guess we were hoping to start last spring, but because of some government red tape, we weren’t able to. We didn’t get the sanitation permits until recently, and so that was what the hold has been about. There’s been a lot of questions about that. That’s what’s been going on. We have been able to clear all those things, and we’re ready now to accept the bids.”
Campbell County Schools Superintendent Shelli Wilson said Monday that the lowest bid was from Monarch Construction for $34,088,000, with the total cost of the new facility being $40,364,963.
The project includes a full-site development package, including drop-off and parking for buses, cars, and staff, as well as the initial curb cuts.
“The Board of Education is overjoyed to announce the commencement of the Grant’s Lick Elementary School project,” Campbell County Board of Education Chair Kimber Fender said. “We are now fully prepared to move forward with this highly anticipated and crucially needed facility for our students.”
In a news release, the district said it extends a “heartfelt thanks” to the community, families, students, and staff for their support and contributions throughout the planning stages. The district said it looks forward to inviting alums and community members to the groundbreaking celebration and that those details will come in the new year.
“The new Grant’s Lick Elementary School is a cornerstone in our mission to create spaces that not only enhance learning but also prepare our students for a bright future,” Wilson said. “This project aligns perfectly with our district’s focus on innovative pathways, stakeholder engagement, and promoting college and career readiness.”
