Skanska Updates Northampton Supervisors on Middle and High School Construction Progress

EASTVILLE, Va. — Construction on the Northampton County middle and high school modernization project is progressing steadily, though recent schedule revisions have pushed final completion to May 2027, Skanska officials told the county Board of Supervisors Tuesday night.

Senior Project Manager Dane Seagle provided a detailed update, highlighting completed work including the installation of cafeteria foundations, concrete slabs for the middle school and administration wings, and storm water infrastructure. Crews have also finished underground plumbing and electrical work in multiple areas, installed new wastewater septic tanks, and continue to lay brick along the middle school wing and gymnasium.

Despite visible progress, Seagle said construction phasing changes were necessary after reviews found the original plan would leave classrooms without power and disrupt high school gym access before the new middle school gym is ready. The adjustments have added four months to the timeline, moving the new construction areas’ completion to April 2026 and final project completion to May 2027.

The project’s budget remains stable at $91.2 million, Seagle said, though changes and extensions have required careful management. Savings of approximately $500,000 are expected through an Owner-Direct Purchasing program that allows Northampton County Public Schools to buy materials tax-free.

Additional costs include $577,000 for expanded construction management services from Skanska and $483,783 for architecture and engineering firm Woolpert, reflecting timeline extensions and added service requirements. These increases will be covered using project reserves, additional ODP savings, and contingency funds, Seagle said, avoiding any increase to the overall budget.

Meanwhile, a separate but related $835,000 project to upgrade the Eastville water line—needed to support the modernized schools—is scheduled for approval by supervisors.

Construction photos shared during the presentation showed grading, utility installation, building foundations, brickwork, and ongoing efforts to prepare the auditorium and gym spaces.

Seagle assured the board that Skanska and its partners remain committed to delivering the project with minimal disruption to school operations, emphasizing that careful planning has helped avoid closures and power outages that could impact students.

The Skansa presentation can be viewed/downloaded from the County BoardDocs website here.