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GATESVILLE – Gates County Schools Superintendent Dr. Barry Williams has secured an additional $1 million in state funding for ongoing renovations and modernization at Gates County High School.

Williams said the added funds will address critical infrastructure needs and complete modernization efforts. The money will also be used to address the essential repairs needed to water lines and electrical power lines, ensuring the long-term stability and functionality of the school building.

This latest funding will also bolster the $9.8 million Needs-Based Public School Capital Fund (NBPSCF) grant from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction that Gates County Schools obtained in October of 2022. That grant was for new construction of five classrooms, a dedicated art room, and a state-of-the-art band room.

The school’s new roof, recently completed, is already equipped with updated HVAC systems, energy-efficient windows, and modern mechanical components.

“This is great news,” said Johnny Greene, Gates County Schools Director of Maintenance. “It has been a challenge to address the proposed scope of work for Gates County High School, including the renovations and addition, without having to temporarily exclude portions of work to meet the current project budget. With this additional funding awarded to Dr. Williams, we will be able to complete the entire project without delay.”

Dr. Williams expressed his gratitude for the funding, emphasizing its crucial role in enhancing the learning environment for Gates County students.

“This grant is a game-changer for our high school,” he stated. “It allows us to address critical infrastructure needs while also providing our students with modern, inspiring learning spaces. We are particularly excited to modernize our science classrooms, creating a dynamic and engaging environment for scientific exploration and experimentation.”

Sallie Ryan, Gates County Board of Education Chair stated, “It is so wonderful and amazing we have received this additional supplemental grant. This grant will enable us to complete some of those finishing touches we had previously put on the future “to do” list.

“It is exciting to know we are giving our high school students more engaging opportunities to enhance their learning environment. I salute Dr. Williams for being consistently on top of every opportunity to bring funding into our county,” Ryan added.

“The renovation project is expected to significantly improve the overall learning experience for Gates County High School students, providing them with access to cutting-edge facilities and resources,” Dr. Williams said. “The school community is eagerly anticipating the completion of these improvements, which will undoubtedly benefit generations of students to come.”

With the help of state funds, Gates County Schools has been able to afford new construction and renovations to existing buildings.

In June of 2018, Dr. Williams applied for NBPSCF grant funding for the renovation of Central Middle School. That effort scored $2.5 million in state funding that was combined with an $8.2 million loan that the county commissioners approved to broaden the scope of a $10.7 million project that totally transformed that historic school.

In May of 2021, Gates County Schools was awarded a $1.78 million NBPSCF grant for the Gatesville Elementary School Renovations Project.

In February of this year, Gates County Schools gained $4,620,000 through NBPSCF. That money will be used for much-needed renovations at Buckland Elementary School ($2,904,000) and T.S. Cooper Elementary School ($1,716,000).