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Mercer County board members, school leaders welcome students at Timberwood Elementary opening
Summary
Board members and district leaders opened Timberwood Elementary, introduced the new principal and assistant superintendents, and emphasized a STEM-centered design and commitment to student opportunity.
Mercer County Board of Education member Jim Bailey and fellow board member Mark Gothrey joined district leaders to formally welcome families and students to Timberwood Elementary, highlighting the district's renewed emphasis on STEM and expanded post-graduation pathways.
"My door is always open to you. My commitment to your success unconditionally," said Mr. Hoggins in opening remarks welcoming non-English speakers and families needing extra assistance, setting a tone of inclusion for the ceremony. Mercer County Board of Education member Jim Bailey, who said he joined the board out of "passion," told attendees his role is to "make sure that every student that goes to Mercer County Schools has the opportunity after they graduate, regardless of what it is," citing vocational opportunities such as the MTech program.
Board member Mark Gothrey framed the day as the realization of a long-held district vision. He described Timberwood as a place "where curiosity is sparked, imagination is nurtured and every child is encouraged to grow," and praised administrators, teachers and staff for their role in supporting students.
A district leader introduced the district's assistant superintendents — Rosemary Mitchell for secondary education and Dr. Ernie Atkins for elementary — and said Timberwood is the district's first facility explicitly built with a STEM-focused design and flexible learning spaces, informed by visits to other innovative districts.
The new principal introduced herself to the audience and summarized her experience. "My name is Dr. Sarah Gross and I was principal at Blue Elementary School for 15 years before being named principal of Timberwood Elementary," she said, and offered a welcome to faculty, staff, students and families as the school begins instruction.
Speakers repeatedly emphasized that while the building provides new learning spaces, the people inside — teachers, administrators and families — will determine the school's success. The ceremony closed with applause and music, and district leaders said the facility is ready for students and staff to begin the school year.
The opening celebrated the district's investment in new facilities and programming; no formal policy actions or votes were recorded in the transcript.
