Excitement in Bristol, Virginia as New Virginia Intermediate School Officially Opens
BRISTOL, Va. — A new chapter begins for students in Bristol, Virginia, as they welcomed the highly anticipated Virginia Intermediate School during a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony held on Thursday evening. More than 100 members of the community, including teachers, students, and city officials, gathered to mark the occasion and tour the vibrant new facility.
The Journey to Today
School board member Randy Alvis perfectly captured the sentiment of many when he simply stated, “We made it.” This phrase reflects not only the jubilation of the moment but also the long, arduous journey that took over a decade to bring this vision to life. The path to constructing this $25 million, nearly 100,000 square foot school was paved with determination, hope, and plenty of discussions.
“Don’t tell me we can’t; tell me how,” was a phrase often used by former Superintendent Rex Gearheart throughout the years. A sentiment echoed repeatedly by the gathered officials as they expressed their gratefulness for everyone involved who tirelessly worked to make this project a reality.
A Facility for All
According to current Superintendent David Scott, the establishment of Virginia Intermediate School marks an important milestone for the community, emphasizing that “all students will receive the very best we have to offer.” Regardless of where a student lives or their background, they will benefit from the modern and supportive academic environment that this new facility promises to provide.
As Bristol’s first new school building in almost half a century, this facility will cater to approximately 500 students from second through fifth grade, with kindergarten and first-grade students attending classes just next door at the Virginia Primary School.
A Long Time Coming
The initiation of this project dates back to 2012 when the city’s School Board began discussions about consolidating the older elementary schools. After numerous public meetings and discussions, the decision was made to pursue the construction of a brand new school. However, it proved to be a challenging endeavor, as funding options and city debt complicated the process.
State Delegate Israel O’Quinn spoke of the legislative hurdles encountered, stating, “This [bill] went through some of the strangest political maneuverings than I’ve ever seen.” After several years of deliberation, House Bill 563 was finally passed in January 2022, opening the door for Bristol to receive about $7 million for construction costs, thereby enabling the School Board to move forward.
Team Effort
City Manager Randy Eads acknowledged the collaborative effort that went into pulling off the project, noting, “This was no easy task. A lot of people worked on this and I’m glad we could make it happen for the kids here in Bristol.”
Local construction firm J.A. Street, along with their partners at Skanska and the design team from Thompson-Litton Architects, took part in ensuring that the school was both functional and economically feasible.
Looking to the Future
During the ceremony, former Superintendent Keith Perrigan was recognized for the efforts he made during his tenure to push the project closer to completion. “I’m just thrilled for the kids in Bristol Virginia schools,” he remarked, celebrating the opening of a facility much better suited for modern education and better than the aging buildings many students were previously attending.
The new Virginia Intermediate School coincides with the closure of three older schools, providing a fresh start for students who have been educated in facilities more than half a century old. As Randy Alvis reflects on this new beginning, he remains hopeful that it will lay a strong foundation for the future of learning in Bristol.
With doors officially opened, students and teachers alike will surely enjoy the many opportunities that Virginia Intermediate School will bring. It’s a big win for the community, and the excitement is just beginning!
