The Morgantown Planning Commission has approved a significant proposal from the Monongalia County Board of Education (BOE) concerning the future location of a new Suncrest Middle School. This approval involves a subdivision request to separate a 13-acre tract from a larger 192-acre parcel, once part of the West Virginia University poultry farm, situated off Research Park Road and behind Sundale Nursing Home. This parcel is part of a larger 17-acre area of “pad ready” land acquired by the BOE from WVU for $4 million late last year specifically for the construction of the new school.
In addition to the 13-acre tract, the BOE acquired an adjacent four-acre parcel. Due to complex city boundary demarcations, this smaller parcel lies outside Morgantown’s limits and falls within the county’s West Run Planning District. It is anticipated that the BOE will request the annexation of this additional property into the city, ultimately consolidating the entire 17-acre site into a single parcel.
The new Suncrest Middle School project is estimated to cost $33,965,932, with funding shared between the district and the School Building Authority (SBA) of West Virginia. In December, the SBA announced a grant of $16,956,966 to Monongalia County Schools, to be distributed in two installments: $11,400,437 in fiscal year 2025 and $5,582,529 in fiscal year 2026. The BOE has engaged Williamson Shriver Architects from Charleston to design and oversee the construction of the new facility.
The existing Suncrest Middle School, located on Baldwin Street, was initially constructed in 1939 and has undergone multiple expansions and renovations, including a major refurbishment in 1994 that doubled its size. Recent reports from the SBA have highlighted structural concerns, with numerous stress cracks indicating significant movement within the building. In response, the BOE awarded a $115,402 contract to City Construction of Clarksburg to demolish a section comprising three rooms of the current school building.
The Bottom Line
The approval of the new Suncrest Middle School site represents a critical investment in the educational infrastructure of Morgantown, promising to enhance learning environments for future generations. This development marks a significant step forward in addressing the current school’s structural issues, ensuring a safer and more modern facility for students and staff. The planned construction is expected to stimulate local economic activity, offering opportunities for local contractors and businesses, and potentially increasing property values in the surrounding area.
For the broader community, the creation of a modern educational facility not only improves educational quality but also reflects a commitment to future-proofing the education system against emerging challenges. This initiative is likely to bolster community pride and engagement, fostering a supportive environment for students’ academic and personal growth. As the project progresses, residents and stakeholders alike will be keenly observing the impact this new school will have on Morgantown’s educational landscape and community dynamics.