Clay County Schools has been awarded $9 million in “Needs” grant funding from the West Virginia School Building Authority (SBA) to support the consolidation of Clay County Middle School. The grant, part of a $43.5 million statewide distribution announced earlier in the month, will be combined with approximately $1.9 million in local funds to construct a new addition at Clay County High School. The project was highly favored during the competitive selection process, with Clay County receiving the second-highest score among 32 applicant counties.
The new addition is designed to serve 7th and 8th-grade students, featuring eight classrooms including dedicated spaces for art and band. To prioritize student security, the wing will house a “safe-schools” entrance and a modern administrative suite.
Furthermore, the project includes a new physical education facility and locker rooms to support junior high athletics and gym classes. Under the new configuration, 6th-grade students will remain at Clay Elementary and Big Otter Elementary rather than moving to the high school campus.
SBA officials selected the project based on its high educational value, cost-effectiveness, and the urgent need for facility safety and code compliance. District leaders noted that the consolidation will significantly reduce long-term operational costs while providing a more cohesive and modern learning environment. This investment marks a major step forward for the county, ensuring that public resources are used efficiently to enhance the safety and academic opportunities available to future generations of students
