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Board reviews Southern Gap High School construction progress, approves coaches and staffing
Summary
The Buchanan County Public Schools board heard a construction update for the new Southern Gap High School, approved head coaches and many assistant positions for the new school, and voted to include eighth graders in next year's enrollments for the school year discussed.
The Buchanan County Public Schools board received a construction and site-progress update for the new Southern Gap High School and approved a slate of head coaches, assistants and support staff for the school during its meeting.
During a presentation, a district representative described ongoing exterior and interior work at the new school: asphalt and curb-and-gutter installation in parking areas, transformer and sprinkler installation, completion of auditorium and gym roofs, masonry work on the front elevation, MEP rough-ins, sewer-line and site conduit nearing completion, and the start of footings for visitor bleachers at the football field. The presenter said the contractor was preparing for asphalt installation and continued insulations and exterior sheathing work.
The board approved a list of head coaches and assistants for fall, winter and spring sports at the new Southern Gap High School. Appointments announced by the board included Greg Tester (football), Stacy Griffey (cheerleading), Preston Hibbits (golf), Christy Bain (cross country and softball) and multiple assistant coaches and sponsors for esports, robotics, scholastic bowl and track. The board also approved other site-related appointments: Brian Davis and Travis Blankenship as building engineers, Davie Church for outside grounds, and Jeff Lester and John Lark for outside assistance.
Board members discussed whether to include eighth graders at Southern Gap. A board member said including eighth grade would allow students to take additional dual-enrollment classes and credited those courses with increasing associate-degree attainment. After discussion and a second, the board approved including eighth graders for the coming year; the motion excluded Twin Valley and another unspecified council area. Board members noted this will affect graduation ceremonies for seventh- and eighth-grade students and local busing logistics.
The board also acknowledged a dedication ceremony held on site the prior day and said a cornerstone with time-capsule items from Sandy Valley Lodge will be placed at the northeast corner of the building.
No legal or regulatory citations were raised in the discussion. Several members voiced thanks to principals and staff for managing two schools during the transition to the new campus.
Ending: The construction update presenter said site work and interior finishes will continue through the coming weeks; board members scheduled follow-up oversight and will reconvene on routine agenda items at the board's next meeting.
