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Mercer County officials and community celebrate opening of new Timberwood school serving Brushfork and Bluecoat
Summary
Mercer County Board of Education leaders, staff and community members marked the opening of a new Timberwood school, praising its STEM designation, security and design; officials credited the School Building Authority and contractor DCI Shires and said the building will open for students next week.
Mercer County Board of Education officials, school staff and community members gathered to mark the opening of a new school serving the Brushfork and Bluecoat communities, officials and speakers said.
Ben Ashley, who identified himself in remarks at the ceremony, described the building as "bright, safe, welcoming, state-of-the-art" and said it represents an investment in students and the broader community. He thanked the superintendent, the School Building Authority for funding, contractors DCI Shires and the architects, and said the county got "better every time" it builds a school. "It's a moment — it's more than just unveiling a beautiful building," he said.
The event highlighted several features of the new facility: increased security measures including cameras, expanded space, a large gym and a cafeteria. The speaker estimated the drop-off and pickup area can accommodate about 125 cars. Officials said the school is prepared to open for the first day of classes "next week," per the remarks at the ceremony.
An event presenter noted the school's STEM credentials, referring to it as an emerging STEM school at the platinum level, and praised the board’s decision to invest in expanded science, technology, engineering and math programming.
Jacinda Santon Smith, introduced as the vice president of the Mercer County Board of Education, called the facility "strong, welcoming, and full of life" and thanked teachers, staff and community members for their support. She specifically acknowledged maintenance director Tom Atkins and treasurer Leslie Weller for overseeing and communicating project details throughout the multi-year process.
Speakers repeatedly credited the School Building Authority for providing funding that made the project possible, and thanked county leadership, central office staff and the construction team for executing the work. The contractor DCI Shires was singled out for delivering a clean, organized worksite and quality construction, speakers said.
No formal board votes or motions were recorded in the transcript for this event; remarks focused on the ribbon-cutting and acknowledgements. The gathering concluded after remarks from board members and community representatives, with officials noting that the facility will begin hosting students the following week.
