CHARLOTTESVILLE (WINA) – At Buford Middle School Friday morning, the groundbreaking on the $90-million reconstruction project that started with a concept of a Charlottesville schools reconfiguration being floated back in 2009. The approved project was $73-million in modernization that will bring in much more natural light — and configure classrooms toward today’s learning methods. Then $17-million in state funding allowed a new gym added to the plan to total $90-million.

Superintendent Royal Gurley says the project shows the importance city residents and parents feel for their students. Actual construction starts Monday, and the project is expected to take 3 years to complete.