Petersburg Schools complete additions at Stuart Elementary

In December 2008, the Petersburg City Public Schools celebrated the completion of construction on a new wing of JEB Stuart Elementary School, the biggest capital improvement project in the district for years. Representatives from the city, school administrators, building architects, students and parents attended the ceremonial ribbon-cutting on December 18. In addition to speakers, Stuart students […]

January 7, 2009; 7:37 PM • by brenda p

In December 2008, the Petersburg City Public Schools celebrated the completion of construction on a new wing of JEB Stuart Elementary School, the biggest capital improvement project in the district for years.

Representatives from the city, school administrators, building architects, students and parents attended the ceremonial ribbon-cutting on December 18. In addition to speakers, Stuart students recited a poem, and members of the Petersburg High School Jazz Ensemble provided music.

“This is a great occasion for Petersburg and the Petersburg City Public Schools,” said Dr. Alvera Parrish, PCPS Assistant Superintendent of Schools. “We celebrate this new addition and the hope that this symbolizes for Petersburg, JEB Stuart and the Petersburg City Public Schools.”

Discussion of this project began more than ten years ago, said Russell Lawrence, PCPS director of facilities and maintenance. Funding from the Cameron Foundation finally made it possible, according to Petersburg Mayor Annie Mickens.

“It has been a long road but we made it,” Lawrence said.

“This is a layer in the revitalization of Petersburg, an aesthetically sound facility for Stuart and the community,” said Dr. James M. Victory, Petersburg Superintendent of Schools.

It is part of sweeping changes taking place in the city, he added.

“Ten years from now, we will hardly recognize Petersburg,” Dr. Victory said.

Petersburg School Board Chairman Kenneth Pritchett called the ribbon-cutting a joyous occasion and the start of many community activities in the building.

“It is all about our children and we want to give our children the best,” said Dr. Elsie Jarmon, Ward 7 School Board Representative.

The new wing at Stuart adds to the school a multi-purpose room, computer lab, music room and storage space. Already, the Petersburg Citywide PTA has announced plans to hold its next meeting there.

A similar project is nearly complete at A.P. Hill Elementary a few miles away. And in coming years, capital improvements are being discussed at Walnut Hill and R.E. Lee elementary schools, said B. David Canada, Petersburg City Manager.

January 7, 2009 7:37 PM 0