On December 10, 2018, Clay County Schools received exciting news. During its quarterly meeting held on that day, the West Virginia School Building Authority (SBA) approved the district’s needs grant submitted for renovations and additions to Clay County High School in the amount of $9,360,078. In a rare move, the SBA did not require the county to supply any local funds for the project. The grant was the second highest amount of funding approved in the State by the SBA on that day; Monroe County was awarded $11,000,000 toward the construction of a new elementary school.
Since that eventful day in December 2018, many improvements have been made at Clay County High School under the direction of Jane McCoy, Clerk of the Works for the project; Tim Hayslett, Jr., construction lead for 1 Korin 3-10, the company approved to complete the work; and Tommy Cloer, project architect from Chapman Technical Group. These include the construction of a new commons area; a secure office entrance that offers greater protection for staff and students; and demolition and restoration of all major restrooms, gymnasium locker rooms, floor, bleachers, and scoreboard; all exterior windows; new locksets throughout the building; electrical and plumbing upgrades; new HVAC units; a new fire alarm, security, and communications system; interior and exterior painting; and sidewalk and parking lot upgrades. The expected completion date for all work is October 2022.
The gymnasium received new flooring, lighting, and bleachers. The Lady Panther volleyball team had the honor of playing first in the newly remodeled gymnasium.