News Summary
The Williamsburg-James City County School Board has awarded a $37.5 million bid to Oyster Point Construction Co. for two new pre-kindergarten centers, set to open in the fall of 2027. Located at Norge and Clara Byrd Baker elementary schools, each center will accommodate 252 students, providing essential facilities for early childhood education. The project aims to support at-risk and disabled children while addressing overcrowding in current pre-K programs. Community forums will be held to keep stakeholders informed about progress as construction begins soon.
Williamsburg – The Williamsburg-James City County School Board has officially awarded a construction bid for two new pre-kindergarten centers to Oyster Point Construction Co. Totaling $37,475,000, this project aims to enhance early childhood education facilities within the district, with both centers set to open in the fall of 2027.
The approved pre-K centers will be located at Norge and Clara Byrd Baker elementary schools, each spanning 41,000 square feet and capable of accommodating 252 students. Each facility will feature 18 classrooms, a multipurpose room, an administration suite, and additional space designed to create a nurturing environment for young learners.
This significant investment in early education comes as the school district navigates ongoing redistricting discussions. Superintendent Daniel Keever noted that the facility approval aligns with broader strategic planning initiatives in collaboration with the consulting firm MGT Impact Solutions. In spring 2026, MGT Impact Solutions gathered preliminary data to assist the district in assessing its educational infrastructure needs.
Community Engagement and Future Developments
In connection with the construction of the new pre-K centers, community forums are anticipated to occur between December 2026 and September 2027. These sessions will provide opportunities for community stakeholders to engage with the school board and learn about the project’s progress. MGT Impact Solutions is expected to deliver its recommendations on the pre-K program and redistricting to the school board by October 2026.
Impact on Current Pre-K Programs
The new centers will specifically cater to children enrolled in the Bright Beginnings pre-K program, which currently operates at five of the nine elementary schools within the division. This development is particularly vital for supporting at-risk and disabled children, allowing for a more dedicated environment conducive to their growth and development. The transition of pre-K students to the new facilities is expected to alleviate overcrowding issues in some elementary schools, where some spaces are already filled to capacity.
Construction Timeline and Expectations
Although a detailed construction timeline remains pending, school officials anticipate that groundbreaking will commence within four to eight weeks. Superintendent Keever has expressed enthusiasm about the construction bid approval while also acknowledging the potential challenges during the construction process.
Kara Wall, the spokeswoman for the school division, will provide regular updates regarding the project as it progresses. For those interested in learning more about the Bright Beginnings program and its objectives, information is available on the official school district website.
The Williamsburg-James City County School Board is committed to ensuring that quality early education is accessible to all students, and this latest investment reflects an ongoing effort to support families and enhance educational opportunities in the community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Worrying Budget Cuts in Williamsburg-James City County School Division
Additional Resources
- Daily Press
- Wikipedia: Early Childhood Education
- WAVY
- Google Search: Williamsburg James City County School Board
- Williamsburg-James City County Schools Official Site
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Education
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
