Published: April 25, 2008 02:44 pm            

New era in education — Southside an investment in McDowell’s future

They said state-of-the-art — and they weren’t kidding. When plans were announced to close the War and Berwind elementary schools in McDowell County and build a new high-tech educational facility years ago, there were doubters across the region.

Some were not happy at the idea of consolidating schools. They were wary, perhaps, that it was the end of an era.

While we understand the emotional turmoil the loss of a school can bring to a community, we can not help but be excited about the new Southside K-8 School that will be formally dedicated during a 1 p.m. ceremony Monday afternoon.

What does this new school have to offer the children of McDowell County?

How about high-speed Internet access for students, faculty and staff, wireless tablets and student responders, electronic whiteboards, a distance learning lab, a computer lab outfitted with 30 computers, a hands-on science lab and a high-tech sound system.

Plus, there are the new security measures, including a keyless card access system, a video security phone and motions detectors.

Wow!

McDowell County School Superintendent Suzette Cook said the new school “will help our teachers transform their classrooms into 21st century learning centers.”

Certainly, that is not an exaggeration.

Cook is continuing the crusade started by Dr. Mark Manchin, who aggressively led the battle for new schools in the county during his tenure as state-appointed school superintendent.

During the past decades there have been many occasions when people across the coalfields have felt somewhat neglected by the state when comparing schools or other government facilities.

Not anymore.

We have always believed the children of McDowell County — and those across southern West Virginia — deserved the same high-tech schools offered to other students across the state. Although our economy has not been the most prosperous in years past, that has never been a reason to deny our youth the opportunity for a brighter future.

On Monday, a milestone toward that future will be marked.

“Today marks a new beginning for McDowell County — for our students, for our teachers and for our staff,” Cook said. “This school is an example of the good things happening in our county.”

We agree, and look forward to the ongoing development of the three new schools — Big Creek-Iaeger High School, Bradshaw Elementary and a new Iaeger Elementary School — planned in coming years.

As we see the new opportunities opening up for the children of McDowell County, we remind those in the region that the old schools will never be totally lost. The memories and magic from those beloved schools will always remain in the hearts of those who studied in their classrooms and walked their timeworn halls.

But times do change, and so must we.

Let us rejoice in the incredible opportunities now open to a generation of children in McDowell County.

        

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