The Fredericksburg City School Board voted on August 6, 2024, to name the new third elementary school and approved the future school’s principal.
The current Walker-Grant Middle School will become the school division’s third elementary school in July 2025. Construction of a new middle school located in the Idlewild neighborhood began following Fredericksburg City Council and School Board approval in March 2022 and is currently underway.
The new middle school is scheduled to open in July 2025 and will be named Walker-Grant Middle School.
A Tribute to Gladys West
The School Board selected Gladys West Elementary School as the new name of the new third elementary school.
Gladys West’s remarkable achievements in the field of mathematics and her contributions to the mathematical modeling of the shape of the earth laid the way for the modern-day Global Positioning System (GPS). West worked at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Dahlgren, Virginia from 1956 to 1998 and currently lives in King George County, Virginia.
Vice Chair of the School Board made the following comment during the meeting:
Gladys West is an exceptional woman whose achievements and character make her truly deserving of this honor. Her legacy is a testament to the power of perseverance, intelligence, and dedication, making her an ideal role model for future generations. Naming a school after her not only honors her remarkable contributions but also serves as a lasting inspiration for our community.
The official report provided to the School Board can be found here.
Strong Leadership
The School Board selected current Lafayette Elementary School Principal Courtney Wheeler as first Principal of Gladys West Elementary School.
The daughter of a school superintendent, Wheeler graduated from UVA Wise in 2007 with a degree in education and endorsements in elementary education and middle school history, mathematics, and science. As a student athlete, she competed in the college softball world series. Following nine years teaching mathematics and science in Spotsylvania, Wheeler joined Fredericksburg City Schools where she was a teacher and administrator at both Lafayette and Hugh Mercer Elementary Schools before becoming principal at Lafayette in 2019.
“Principal Wheeler’s leadership at Lafayette has been exemplary, and we are confident that she will bring the same passion, vision, and dedication to her new role,” Superintendent Marci Catlett said. “Her commitment to creating a nurturing and inclusive school environment will undoubtedly benefit the students and staff at Gladys West Elementary.”
The school division will begin looking for Wheeler’s replacement soon. Until then, Wheeler will remain at Lafayette continuing to provide the strong leadership she is known for. A replacement is expected to be in place before January 2025 when Wheeler will devote her time to the opening of the new school and working with the community.
Please see two excellent short videos on Gladys West here and here.