Stafford officials break ground for 18th elementary school

Hard hats and golden shovels were the order of the day Wednesday, along with a few raincoats to fend off the drizzle, as Stafford County school and government officials, students and first responders, contractors and state representatives gathered under a tent for the official groundbreaking of Stafford Elementary School #18.

With more than 130,000 square feet, the Hartwood District's new school will house up to 1,070 students in kindergarten through grade 5. It's being built off Truslow Road on Stafford Plaza Drive, next to high school No. 6.

The new elementary school is the second of three construction projects set to open by August 2026 to address the county's growing population.

"Our county's rapid growth brings the responsibility to provide the best for our students," said Maureen Siegmund, Stafford School Board chair. "Today's groundbreaking isn't just about building a new school — it's about creating spaces where our children can thrive and succeed."

Stafford school officials were pleasantly surprised last month when bids for elementary school No. 18 came in about $10 million under budget. The school system awarded a $46.1 million contract to Howard Shockey & Sons. The contract includes about $2 million for a parking lot to accommodate 88 school buses and 100 employee-owned vehicles.

"It is exciting to finally put shovels in the dirt and get rolling on this project," said Chris R. Fulmer, acting school superintendent.

The contract cost covers construction only. The fully loaded price for "the land, design, furniture, everything" is almost $66 million, Fulmer said in August.

Cathy Dyson:

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