Montgomery County may add on to one elementary school, build another

CHRISTIANSBURG (WSLS 10) - Changes could be coming for two Montgomery County elementary schools in the next few years.

School leaders want to build another wing onto Falling Branch Elementary School in Christiansburg, which would do away with the need for the school's eight mobile units.

The project would likely cost nearly $10 million.

The county's board of supervisors has been saving up money for school projects over the last several years. Board chair Chris Tuck said he believes the county could take the project on in the next year without going into any more debt.

The supervisors are also considering possible sites for a new Belview-area elementary school. Construction is not expected to start on that project any time soon.

"For us, it really is about the best educational environment for the students," said Montgomery County Public Schools spokesperson Brenda Drake  "Research shows us that they perform better and learn better when they're in a regular building."

The county has nearly 20 mobile units at its schools altogether.