The Roanoke County School Board has voted to proceed with a project to replace Cave Spring Middle School (CSMS). Originally, the project called for the renovation and expansion of the facility.
Based upon the evaluation of the current CSMS, Spectrum Design has analyzed the renovation of the existing school versus the demolition and construction of a completely new school on the existing site. Due to the major components needed for renovation, the deterioration of the current building, and favorable construction costs in today’s market, the school board decided instead to demolish the current building and construct a new facility. Construction is expected to begin in summer 2011.
“One of the major factors influencing this decision is the building lifespan of a renovated school compared to an entirely new school which will have a minimum of fifty years viability,” said Roanoke County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Lorraine Lange.
“Building an entirely new school will better serve the Cave Spring community for the long term,” said Roanoke County School Board member Fuzzy Minnix (Cave Spring District). “With construction prices so competitive right now, we want to get as much as we can for our money,” Minnix added.
School personnel will meet with parents to gather input in establishing a transition plan for housing CSMS students while the new school is constructed.
The school board also appropriated additional funding for the architectural & engineering services for the construction of a new school; including design services such as LEED certification work, kitchen consultants, independent cost estimating, and geothermal test well analysis.
Cave Spring Middle School was constructed in 1956 and was the original building housing Cave Spring High School. The school became Cave Spring Junior High School in 1968 when Cave Spring High School moved to its current facility on Chaparral Drive. During the 2009-10 school year, Cave Spring Middle School had approximately 600 students enrolled.
