Norfolk, Va., has approved a $5 million agreement with a developer for the design of five new schools.
S.B. Ballard Construction Co. of Virginia Beach will oversee the demolition of a vacant elementary school and begin the design work for four elementary schools and a K-8 school in Norfolk, The Virginian-Pilot reported.
The company submitted a bid under a 2002 state law that allows private entities to pitch unsolicited proposals related to public facilities and for them to negotiate with the city privately. The plans and estimated costs for the work have not been released to date, but the city has budgeted for as much as $125 million in school construction.