Heather Michon, Editor

The Fluvanna County School Board approved more than $1.4 million in renovation work for Abrams Academy at its June 10 meeting, clearing the way for long-awaited improvements to classrooms, restrooms, the lobby and the building’s entrance.

The board approved two project packages totaling $1,418,209.24. The first, for HVAC and low-voltage work, was approved at $774,145.13. The second, for six single-occupancy restrooms and lobby modifications, was approved at $644,064.11, including a $30,669.72 licensing fee.

Project lead Josh Bauer, who presented the update to the board, said the work is within the existing project budget and represents “more than 50% of the building.”

“I believe that we are in fantastic shape,” Bauer told the board. “I have good news for this evening.”

The renovation will cover about 7,100 square feet. The project includes work in the lobby, reception area, conference room, secure vestibule, restrooms, staff workroom and classroom spaces. Three existing classrooms will be converted into five, each with new interior finishes, updated technology, flooring, ceilings, and proper heating and cooling.

The work will also add four single-occupancy student restrooms and two staff restrooms. Bauer said the single-use student restrooms will help address current concerns about students sharing restroom spaces.

The entrance improvements include a more secure vestibule, a new exterior door, and a second set of doors designed to direct visitors into the reception area before they can access other parts of the building.

“The goal here is to prevent folks from going into places they don’t belong,” Bauer said.

Bauer said the contractor is ready to begin quickly and hopes to complete the work before school starts. If the project is not fully finished by then, construction would continue after hours and on weekends, not during the school day.

Several factors could affect the schedule, including hazardous materials abatement, Environmental Protection Agency approval, and material orders. Bauer said a study had already been completed, and most of the expected abatement involves floor tile and some connections, though additional materials could be discovered once demolition begins.

Board member Charles Rittenhouse voted against both Abrams-related motions, citing concerns about the schedule, contract details, and possible added costs.

“There’s a lot of undetermined things going on,” he said. “We haven’t seen a contract, which I understand not having a contract to get approval. For that reason, I won’t vote for it.”

Additional updates are expected at the July meeting, including more information about the schedule and finishes.

Board member James Kelley said the division should also consider a community event or rededication once the work is finished.

“We certainly had public meetings to get input about the process and about the history of the building,” Gretz said. “So I think we should try to rededicate or honor the legacy there.”

Pepper spray, pouches, and phones

The board also reviewed several policy updates and proposed changes to the 2026-27 Parent Resource Guide, including rules on pepper spray, caffeine pouches, cellphones, gambling and safe use of electronic devices.

Superintendent Peter Gretz said caffeine pouches have become a concern because they resemble nicotine or tobacco pouches.

The division is not banning them simply because they contain caffeine, he said, but because administrators cannot easily distinguish caffeine from tobacco products.

“We are saying that students cannot have those at school,” Gretz said. “It’s not because they have caffeine in them. It’s because they look exactly like the pouches that have tobacco in them.”

The guide also reflects tighter state rules on student cellphone use. Gretz said the previous language focused on limiting disruptions during instructional time, while the new rule is more direct.

“You can’t have them bell-to-bell period,” he said. “You can’t have them in the classroom. You can’t have them in the hallway once the bell rings.”

Board members said students, particularly older students, may need time to adjust to the stricter cellphone rules. Discussion also touched on the need to teach students about safe and responsible device use, including the permanence of online posts and messages.

The policy updates also include instruction on the dangers of gambling, as required by recent legislation. Gretz said the division still needs to determine where that instruction will fit into the curriculum.

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School Board approves Abrams renovation work