Groundbreaking ceremony kicks off construction of New Anna Jarvis Elementary in Taylor County, West Virginia

The day was capped off with musical performances by the Grafton High School Entertainers Edition 54 and a reception catered by Grafton High School ProStart members.

“Today is exciting because it is about a county and community coming together for possibility,” said Taylor County Board of Education President Melissa Garvin. “The new Anna Jarvis Elementary is part of the next chapter of our collective history, as something that we all do together.”

Garvin emphasized the parallels between strong education and sturdy construction, noting that both require solid foundations and dedicated individuals to create something lasting.

“Where they differ is buildings receive roofs, but education gives students wings to soar from the rooftops to make the world a better place,” she said.

She also stressed the importance of collaboration in achieving shared goals.

“To everyone here today, let’s celebrate as active participants in this process,” she said. “To all of Taylor County, to the School Building Authority, and to all of our administrators that have worked so hard to make this a reality, thank you for giving us a future full of wonder and possibility.”

West Virginia School Building Authority President Andy Neptune expressed his excitement about returning to Anna Jarvis Elementary for another milestone event. He previously attended former Gov. Jim Justice’s check presentation for the project last spring.

“I am so happy to be back here and be a part of a community that is full of excitement and energy as they await the building and opening of a brand-new school for the county’s students,” Neptune said.

In March, Justice presented Taylor County Schools with a $7,306,600 check from the West Virginia School Building Authority to fund the project. Superintendent Dr. John Stallings explained the funds were initially awarded before the COVID-19 pandemic and later reapproved in December 2023.

“You should all be so proud. You have a wonderful board and a great superintendent that have worked hard to get this off the ground, and it’s always great to have a local guy doing the work,” Neptune said. “If there is anything that the School Building Authority can help with, we will be glad to assist.”

West Virginia Board of Education President Nancy White, a Grafton native, praised the community’s dedication to making the project a reality.

“Anna Jarvis is a part of who I am,” White said. “When it came time for the school to be replaced, this community stepped up and did what was required to pull together … illustrating that you are willing to do whatever it takes to meet the needs of this school community and the children.”

Vice President Victor Gabriel encouraged students and staff to show their appreciation for the new school by striving for academic excellence.

“The greatest way that you can say thank you to all those who have made this possible is to do well in school,” Gabriel said. “Students, I challenge you to make good grades, become strong citizens and make your teachers and parents proud.”

Stallings reported that Taylor County Schools began working with Williamson Shriver Architects in January 2023 to develop design concepts. A committee, including board members, school personnel and architects, held weekly meetings and toured other schools for inspiration.

“This has been a long process, but we are excited to see it come to fruition as it starts moving from the design phase to the building phase,” Stallings said. “This is a great day for Taylor County. It’s the start of something new and exciting.”

During the ceremony, Williamson Shriver President Greg Martin revealed the first look at the school’s design.

“I’m here to give you all the first looks of the new school,” Martin said. “You are the first to see this design, outside of those on the board.”

The new two-story facility will include administrative offices, a cafeteria, a gymnasium and specialized STEM and art classrooms. The academic wing will span both floors, with classrooms designed for optimal natural lighting.

The new campus will also feature an expanded drop-off loop to alleviate traffic congestion during arrival and dismissal.

Anna Jarvis Principal Heather Sinclair expressed excitement about the new facility, noting that the current school has faced increasing repair and maintenance costs.

“I have been with Anna Jarvis Elementary since 2011, and being here for that whole time, I’ve seen the needs that we have here in the building — with the structure, with the plumbing — things that are costly for repairing or not even repairable,” Sinclair said. “It’s definitely a need for us to have a new building.”

The new school will be constructed in front of the existing building, allowing students to continue learning without interruption. Once the new facility is complete, the old building will be dismantled and replaced with a green space for community use.

“At the end of the day, everything will work and come together, but until then, students, enjoy what you see taking place in front of your school,” Martin said.

City Construction, led by President Beau Henderson, a Grafton native, will oversee the project, and will work alongside Capital Business Interiors. Now that ground has officially been broken, Stallings anticipates the school will open in fall 2027.