May 2017 marked the final payment on the 2002 school bond issue approved by the citizens of Greenbrier County for the construction of Ronceverte Elementary School. Opening its doors to students in May 2004, the new school replaced the facility that served the students and community of Ronceverte from 1917–2004.
“Paying off Ronceverte Elementary is a major milestone for our school system and the citizens of Greenbrier County. This is the perfect opportunity to thank our communities for ensuring that education is a priority and for providing safe and secure school facilities our youngest citizens,” said Superintendent of Greenbrier County Schools Jeff Bryant.
Greenbrier County voters also authorized a 2009 bond issue which made possible construction of new elementary schools in Rainelle and Lewisburg; a major renovation and construction project at Greenbrier West High School; safety upgrades at Smoot Elementary; and an auxiliary gymnasium at Eastern Greenbrier Middle School. The 2009 bond expires in 2024.
“The investment of public dollars in our school facilities in recent years has been remarkable, making a number of important capital improvement projects possible. We are grateful for the support and committed to continuing to be good stewards as we manage the funding,” said David McClure, chief school business official for Greenbrier County Schools.
Over the eight-year period since the 2009 bond was authorized, the school system refinanced the bond which has resulted in a cost savings of approximately $1.25 million. Greenbrier County Schools utilized $500,000 of the savings to lower the amount of the outstanding principal debt with the goal of paying it down quicker and realizing additional interest savings over the remaining seven years.
Approximately $750,000 of savings realized is being reinvested to complete capital improvement projects at four facilities included in the 2009 bond issue. Funds can only be reinvested in facilities named in the original bond. Projects currently underway include replacement of bleachers at Greenbrier West High and Eastern Greenbrier Middle as well as access road upgrades at Lewisburg Elementary and playground safety and fencing upgrades at Rainelle Elementary.
“Together with this community, we have accomplished a lot in the past 15-plus years. It is great to live in a place that values education and is willing to do what it takes to provide learning facilities and programs to help our students learn, grow and succeed. Taxpayer approval of the school construction and renovation bonds and the ongoing support for maintaining our facilities and programs through the excess levy are vital to our operations. On behalf of the school board, I would like to thank our communities for their continued support,” said Greenbrier County School Board President Jeanie Porterfield Wyatt.
