Petsworth Elementary School students will begin their summer break a day before other students in the county, thanks to a $2.3 million roofing and HVAC project. The school board approved the June 10 school year end date for Petsworth in a 6-1 vote during its meeting Tuesday in the T.C. Walker Education Center. 

All other county public schools will close on June 11. Division assistant superintendent John Hutchinson said the Petsworth staff desired the extra day without students so they could begin to pack up their classrooms in preparation for the HVAC project, which will include new duct work throughout the building. 

Board member Kim Hensley was against the early closure, partly out of concern for parity with other county schools. She was also concerned that parents would have to alter plans to accommodate the early end.

The work will also close the Petsworth kitchen and cafeteria at the end of this week. Beginning Monday, Petsworth lunches will be prepared in the kitchen...