Exciting Times Ahead for Kingsport!
Kingsport, Tennessee, is buzzing with excitement as the local school district gears up for some major changes that promise to benefit students and families alike! With two new elementary schools on the horizon and the much-anticipated completion of the Buck Van Huss Dome at Dobyns-Bennett High School, the future looks bright for Kingsport’s educational landscape.
New Elementary Schools on the Way
Yes, you heard that right! Kingsport City Schools is planning to open two brand-new elementary schools to accommodate the city’s growing population. Assistant Superintendent Andy True revealed exciting details about the new facilities. One of the sites will be the current Lynn View Community Center, which will undergo some major renovations before being transformed into an elementary school. The other location? The old Sullivan North High School site, which is also set for a makeover.
True mentioned that the district is actively working on the timeline for these projects, stating, “We’re looking right now at what that timing will be and really working on those plans to get us to completion.” As more people move to the area, the district believes that opening these new schools will be beneficial. With an anticipated student capacity of about 750 kids at each school, these new additions will provide much-needed space and resources.
Consolidation for Greater Capacity
While it’s great news that new schools are coming, it also means a bit of a shuffle. To consolidate resources effectively, the schools will be closing Kennedy, Roosevelt, and Jackson Elementary, allowing for a smoother operation with a total of seven elementary schools, instead of the current eight. True emphasizes the need for more room to support Kingsport’s growing community, saying, “We’ll be consolidating down from eight elementaries to seven, but it will still give us the capacity that we need to meet the growing population here in Kingsport.”
A New Era for the Buck Van Huss Dome
But wait, there’s more! The Buck Van Huss Dome is also nearing its much-anticipated finish. For the past two years, this key facility has been undergoing renovations due to structural problems. However, it’s expected to be completed by early 2025! The improvements being made are substantial, with plans for new flooring, ceilings, locker rooms, HVAC systems, and even an auxiliary gym!
“It was time for those kinds of replacements to happen,” True shared, adding, “This really provided the opportunity to go in and look at the whole package and create something our community will be proud of for the next 50 years.”
Students Find Temporary Solutions
In the meantime, students and athletes have had to make do with alternative arrangements during the construction phase. Frankie DeBusk, the Athletics Director at Dobyns-Bennett, shared how they’ve been managing. “It was a major impact on Dobyns-Bennett High School; we had to move everything from here to the old Sullivan North High School,” he explained. Thankfully, with renovations at the alternate facility and use of the Civic Auditorium for wellness classes, students have had the support they need!
Looking Forward to the Future
Although it’s still too early to tell if the dome will be ready for the basketball season, there’s a palpable sense of optimism buzzing around Kingsport. With both new elementary schools and the rejuvenated Buck Van Huss Dome, the community can look forward to enjoying enhanced educational facilities for every student.
As Kingsport prepares for these thrilling changes, it’s a fantastic time for families in the area. The promise of new spaces, improved resources, and a focus on community makes it a great day to be a member of this vibrant city!
