CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Chesterfield County leaders broke ground on Wednesday, Sept. 25 on a replacement for Bensley Elementary School. The new school is being built on the same site as the current building, which opened in 1954 on 6600 Strathmore Road. It’s part of a community facilities bond plan approved by county voters in 2022. According to Chesterfield County officials, the new two-story building will serve up to 1,000 students in kindergarten through fifth grade. New features include a "gymnatorium," cafeteria, media center, art room, music room and STEAM maker space. Bensley Elementary students and teachers moved into the old Falling Creek Middle School building on Hopkins Road for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years while they wait for the new school to be built. Principal Patrice Wilson said the building will be a sight to see. “Right now, the excitement that still exists with our community, it's just like no other," said Wilson. “So, it's a special place. It always has been for me, but I know the community itself is one that is excited and is welcoming this new architecture.” Chesterfield County School Board Vice Chair Ann Coker said there are more projects coming from the 2022 bond referendum. “Construction is well underway for a replacement building for Davis Elementary,” said Coker. “We will break ground for a brand-new west area elementary school in a few weeks and a brand-new west area high school in the spring.” Class of 1979 graduate Mike Rebuck said the groundbreaking made him reminiscent of his days as a student of the original school. “When I drove up today and saw the two big pieces of construction equipment out here, I got a little teary eyed,” said Rebuck. “I had so many fond memories when we were at school here. The teachers, they loved us. They cared for us. They took care of us.”