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Ground Broken for East Rockingham HS and River Bend ES

Despite a cold drizzle, nothing dampened the spirits of assembled Rockingham school and county officials as they gathered to formally mark the beginning of construction on an east end campus that will include Rockingham's 4th high school, East Rockingham High School, slated to open fall 2010 and its 15th elementary school, River Bend Elementary School, scheduled to open fall 2009. In attendance were current and former members of the Rockingham School Board, current and former members of the Rockingham County Board of Supervisors, school division administrators, Elkton town officials, representatives from the contracted architectural and construction firms, media, along with many local residents and other interested individuals.

Dr. Carol Fenn, Rockingham County Public Schools Superintendent, welcomed the assembled group and thanked all those who have played various roles in bringing to fruition this plan to expand and grow. She commented, "While today marks the beginning of construction, it also marks a special time for those who had the passion and the vision to work tirelessly to make this day happen. Their risk is now our good fortune, and their conviction to step forward is soon to be our community's benefit."

Dr. Carol Fenn addressed the group while members of the Rockingham County School Board and Board of Supervisors flanked her.

The new east side school complex is now officially under construction. More productive excavation will occur shortly!

Dan Breeden (2nd from right), former RCPS school board member, joined the ceremony. As a member of the board, Mr. Breeden was an integral part of the process that led to the decision to build a 4th high school in Rockingham County. Bill Gamble (far right), RCPS School Board member, seems to want to put Mr. Breeden to work!

Dr. Fenn and RCPS School Board members, Anthony Slater (left) and John Myers (right), donned their hard hats to begin the construction process!

School Board member, John Myers, thanked the County Board of Supervisors, noting that RCPS continues to appreciate the positive and productive working relationship it shares with the Board of Supervisors as they work toward the common goal of providing excellence in the education of its students. He also expressed his appreciation to the citizens of Rockingham County for their willingness to support educational initiatives such as this project.

County Board of Supervisors member, Mike Breeden, thanked many including Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Heatwole for their willingness to offer the beautiful 90-acre plot of land for purchase by Rockingham County.

W.R. Good, Rockingham School Board member, spoke to the future of our schools. In looking to the future, those in attendance only had to glance a few feet to his right as son, Ethan, will be a member of East Rockingham High School's graduating class of 2020.

Steve Reid, RCPS Director of Maintenance, pointed out locations of the two schools, football stadium, baseball and softball fields, tracks, tennis courts, practice fields, parking lots, and other components of the planned complex.

Many braved the cold temps and precipitation to gather for the morning's events!