Roanoke County school leaders commence renovation at W.E. Cundiff Elementary with groundbreaking ceremony
Roanoke, Virginia – The expansion and renovation project for W.E. Cundiff Elementary School officially commenced on the morning of August 28, 2024, with a ceremonial groundbreaking. The event brought together dozens of officials, school leaders, and the entire school community to mark the beginning of a significant development in the school’s history.
Principal Ashley McCallum opened the ceremony by welcoming the gathered guests, school staff, and students with a spirited cheer for “Team Cundiff.” Reflecting on the school’s past, McCallum shared that the project represents a new chapter for W.E. Cundiff Elementary, which was formerly known as Hardy Road Elementary during her time as a student there. She expressed gratitude to everyone present for their support in bringing this project to life.
Roanoke County Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Ken Nicely, followed by extending his thanks to those who played key roles in realizing the project, including the Roanoke County School Board, the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors, Branch Builds, RRMM, and various school staff. Dr. Nicely conveyed his excitement to see the plans finally come to fruition after extensive planning, expressing his eagerness for construction to begin.
Vinton School Board member Tim Greenway acknowledged the strong support from the Vinton community and noted the presence of members of the Cundiff family, highlighting the significance of the event. Greenway emphasized that the planned improvements to W.E. Cundiff Elementary have been a long-standing need and expressed the community’s appreciation that these enhancements are finally moving forward.
The groundbreaking ceremony concluded with Principal McCallum leading the entire school in a loud countdown, signaling the official start of the construction project. The renovation and expansion of W.E. Cundiff Elementary is expected to be completed by the fall of 2026, promising a new era for the school and its community.
