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A list of summer projects slated for Hanover schools is moving ahead at a steady pace according to Hanover Construction and Planning Manager Paul Carper. Several roofing projects and HVAC improvements top the list of changes going on in Hanover schools while the students are on vacation.

Carper said the original planned list of projects was expanded when additional monies became available due to low bids on some of the projects. He said the county took advantage of a favorable construction market and added several more projects to the already ambitious list.

“Due to the wonderful market conditions as well as the opportunity to have some referendum funds, we were able to do a number of other projects,” Carper said.

Work is taking place at most of the county’s’ schools or facilities.

“We have about 28 projects at 18 facilities,” Carper said at last week’s School Board meeting.

The additional funds allowed Carper’s department to move forward replacing the system’s fluorescent lights present in many schools. “The current fluorescent light tubes that we use will no longer be manufactured after 2012,” Carper said.

Upgrading those lights requires new fixtures that number around 10,000 throughout the system. The new bulbs are more energy efficient and could save the county up to $300,000 annually, according to Carper.

Most of the projects started in June and continue through the summer. “I’m pleased with the progress we’re making,” Carper said. “We have some excellent contractors and anticipate that all of these will be completed before school begins,” Carper told board members.

In other matters, assistant superintendent Dr. Jamelle Wilson said she would introduce a resolution at the group’s next meeting to form a study group to explore the feasibility of after school transport for the county’s special education students. The proposed study will focus on care provided to eligible students who require after school care outside of their school zones.

Wilson said the proposed study is a response to concerns raised by parents and the Special Education Advisory Board.

“We have attempted to put together a process which helps us begin to pull some information together,” Wilson said. The study will determine the number of students who need the service, the locations and where the need actually is. “ Once we’ve gone through this process of identifying specific needs, we need to insure the scope encompasses all of those items,” she added.

The panel also recognized former Hanover principals Rebecca Bray and Dr. Lloyd Jones on their published account of Hanover schools entitled “A History of Education in Hanover County, VA.” Superintendent Roberson said the book is a comprehensive review of the long and storied history of Hanover schools, and a worthy accomplishment for the two retired educators.

The Lee Davis baseball team was also recognized for their state runner up performance last season, racking up a 26-3 record in the effort. Veteran coach Jackie Davis said “it was the best group of girls she’s had” in her 11 years at the Mechanicsville campus.

Dr. Roberson also recognized recently reappointed Mechanicsville board member Glen Millican for his years of service on the board.