On Monday, November 18, the faculty, staff, and several students of Prince Edward County Public Schools, along with members of the Board of Supervisors, School Board, Mosley Architecture, and English Construction, gathered for the elementary school renovation groundbreaking ceremony. The program was hosted by the elementary school administration and Dr. Joseph Cox, PECPS Acting Superintendent.
Mrs. Pattie Cooper-Jones opened the ceremony with remarks on behalf of the Board of Supervisors, who were pivotal in securing the funds for this immense project. Additionally, Mr. Doug Stanley, County Administrator, provided further details about the ongoing process of applying for funding over the years, despite several setbacks, and shared the excitement of finally seeing the project come to fruition.
Mrs. Beulah Womack, former PECPS School Board Chair and Vice Chair, spoke about the history of the project, acknowledging the members of the committees formed to investigate the elementary school’s roof issues and other structural concerns.
Dr. Cox expressed his enjoyment during his brief tenure at PECPS and his appreciation for witnessing this transformative change in the division. Mrs. Vance, PECES Principal, echoed the excitement and anticipation, noting that this project has been in the works for years. She thanked the staff, teachers, administrators, and the community for their contributions in making the renovation a reality.
The highlight of the ceremony was when attendees had the chance to shovel the dirt, symbolizing the official start of the elementary school renovation. Students, staff, School Board members, and teachers all took part, using the purple and gold shovels.
Great things are happening at Prince Edward County Public Schools. The renovation project will take at least two years, and students are currently attending classes in the temporary learning cottages. As we continue to navigate this large construction project, we appreciate your patience as we adjust to what is needed to succeed. Our sincerest appreciation to our Eagle Families who continue to show that Eagle Country is the best place to learn, work, and live!
Pictures Include:
Beulah Womack, Former School Board Chair/Vice Chair, Teresa Vance, PECES Principal, Elzora Stiff, School Board Member, Mr. Cainan Townsend, School Board Member, Dr. James Arieti School Board Member, Mrs. Susan Kimbrough, School Board Vice Chair, Dr. Joseph Cox, Acting Superintendent, Mr. Doug Stanley, County Administrator, Mr. Harvey Tackett, School Board Member, Dr. Odessa Pride, Board of Supervisors, Mrs. Pattie Cooper-Jones, Board of Supervisors Chair, Mr. Bill Jenkins Board of Supervisors, Mr. Llewellyn Gilliam, Board of Supervisors, PECES Students: Emma Gullett, Ayden Sprague, MarQuay Peaks, and McKenzie Vaughan