Washington-Henry Elementary School Renovation Budget Overrun

A recent meeting document Hanover County - Joint Education Committee Meeting Packet - 2026-05-15 indicates a future potential acquisition The Washington-Henry Elementary School renovation project has encountered a significant budget overrun. The general contractor bid results in an overall project deficit of $3.0 million above the authorized budget. The school district is considering value engineering to reduce costs by approximately $1.0 million and the direct purchase of some equipment. Additionally, $1.5 million from the 'Use of Assignment for Capital Projects' is being allocated, and any remaining balance of debt funds from other new school construction projects will be redirected to Washington-Henry at the completion of those projects. Board members discussed the budget difference and recommended utilizing capital assignment funding and restoring that capital assignment with any year-end surplus from HCPS. This situation strongly suggests the need for additional procurement, either through change orders, new RFPs for value engineering, or direct equipment purchases.