ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) – Years of discussions between the Zoning Commission and Roanoke City Council over the location of Preston Park Elementary School have borne fruit.

The process was controversial at times, but on Friday morning teachers, students and leading city representatives met for a ceremonial laying of the foundation stone.

Principal Eric Fisher, who is also a graduate of Preston Park Elementary, says he doesn’t want young students at his school near the busy road and that safety is his top priority.

“We could actually put the school right behind me to have a better view ahead to see what’s out there and also to keep our students further away from busy roads at the intersection where our school is,” Fisher said.

Parents present said they felt much more comfortable now that the new school was further away from the street.

“Several times when I’m waiting in line for drivers and I watch the kids throwing balls and running through the bushes, they’re almost in the street. I think it’s very certain that school has been moved back,” said Dionne Kasey.

According to officials, the new school will also feature a larger bus stop and an easier pick-up zone for students’ cars.

Not only will the new school be more modern, spacious and safe, but the site on which it stands will also have amenities for the community to use.

“There will be multiple sports fields, plenty of outdoor seating and community spaces available after school and on weekends,” said Roanoke Mayor Sherman Lea.

Students will not have to relocate and can remain at the existing Preston Park Elementary School while the new school is built.

Construction of the new school will begin in the next few weeks and is scheduled to be completed in August 2026.

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