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Southern Gap High School groundbreaking draws Army Corps, contractors and local leaders
Summary
Officials and construction partners marked the groundbreaking for Southern Gap High School, highlighting flood-mitigation history, intergovernmental cooperation and a construction schedule that aims for an August 2026 opening.
Local, state and federal officials joined community members and contractors at the Southern Gap High School groundbreaking to mark the start of on-site construction and to recognize the years-long planning effort.
Angie McClanahan, Buchanan County Public Schools board chair, called the event "a milestone groundbreaking for construction of the Southern Gap High School" and said the new facility will expand academic, vocational and community opportunities for students. "This has been a long journey," she said.
Col. Jason Putman, commander of the Huntington District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, noted the project’s roots in past flood events and the subsequent federal authorization for flood-risk measures. "Sometimes, good can come from that," Col. Putman said, framing the school relocation and consolidation as a constructive outcome of earlier disasters and federal programs.
Curtis Salesleit, project manager for Skanska, introduced the contractor and design-build teams, including Branch Builds, BMDO Architects and local civil engineer Terra Tech. Salesleit summarized site progress—grading, footers and underground utilities—and said steel erection is imminent. A project representative told the assembled crowd the district expects the facility to open in August 2026.
Speakers from congressional and senatorial offices sent remarks and gifts: Shane Flynn (representing Sen. Mark Warner) read a letter of appreciation for project manager Robert Peterson and presented a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol. Representatives from state legislators and local government also attended and were acknowledged by organizers.
Organizers outlined next steps in construction sequencing, including enclosing the building by fall (roof and windows), finishing interior work through winter, and completing paving and landscaping the following year. Contractors and school officials thanked the many partners who contributed to reaching groundbreaking after years of planning.
The ceremony concluded with local acknowledgements and applause; board business resumed later in the meeting to consider change orders, deed clarifications, grants and routine agenda items.
