Hanover County Public Schools kicked off the 2024-25 school year celebrating the completion ofAshland Elementary School, the first school constructed in the county since Laurel Meadow Elementary School opened in 2008.
The school brings together students from the old Henry Clay Elementary School, which served students in preschool through second grade, and John M. Gandy Elementary School, which served students in third through fifth grades.
Although residents bemoaned the school board’s decision to do away with the Gandy name, board chair Bob May, of the South Anna District, commended county leadership for their shared vision on bringing the new school to life.
May was joined by members of Hanover’s school board, the board of supervisors, newly appointed Interim Superintendent Lisa Pennycuff and Del. Buddy Fowler, at the school's ceremonial ribbon cutting on Aug. 15.
“As we celebrate the opening of Ashland Elementary School, we are reminded of the power of education and of our teachers’ impact in transforming the lives of our students,” May said during his remarks.
Clay and Gandy were among the school buildings identified in a 2018 study conducted by the division as it looked to replace aging facilities. Some Hanover schools have also experienced overcrowding due to increased enrollment.
County supervisors have committed $117.8 million to replace three elementary school facilities over the next five years. Replacements for Battlefield Park and Beaverdam are on track to be completed in time for the 2026-27 school year, with Washington-Henry slated to be ready for 2027-28.
The school system has also addressed overcrowding concerns at Cool Spring Elementary School by ordering two learning cottages, which are expected to arrive in September.
The county’s new two-story school building features several amenities built to foster collaborative learning — including a new gymnasium, media center, outdoor learning spaces and an indoor slide.
Crabtree, Rohrbaugh & Associates, a Charlottesville-based architecture firm, led the design of the school, and Southwood Builders, an Ashland construction company, worked on the project for the past three years.
Ashland principal Kristin Haas said faculty have been hard at work preparing their classrooms for the first week of school.
“This facility not only strengthens our school community but provides our students with enhanced resources and opportunities for growth,” Haas said. “Together, we are building a brighter future for all our students for generations to come.”
