Snow Hill — Greene County Schools is celebrating a significant milestone as they move closer to completing the construction of a new Greene Central High School. The district announced Tuesday they are the recipients of a $12 million supplemental grant, bringing them one step closer to realizing their vision for the state-of-the-art educational facility.

On Tuesday, the superintendent of Greene County Schools, Dr. Frank Creech, expressed gratitude for the support and highlighted the significance of the occasion. "It's a very special day for Greene County Schools," he remarked. "We've been diligently working to design and plan the new school, and this grant brings us closer to our goal."

The grant, awarded by the Department of Public Instruction (DPI), comes as a welcome relief amid rising costs of labor and materials. "We're hopeful that this supplemental grant will help us get where we need to be as far as coming across the finish line for the new Green Central High School," Dr. Creech added.

North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction Catherine Truitt commended the district's efforts and underscored the importance of responsible fund utilization. "It is critical for the Department of Public Instruction to ensure that when dollars are awarded to a district, they are used appropriately," Truitt stated. "It's very gratifying to see all of you here in attendance, demonstrating a commitment to the proper stewardship of these funds."

Truitt also lauded the involvement of students in the process, noting their role in reducing project costs by $3.4 million. "We keep hearing that costs keep going up, up, up, but it's amazing to see the efforts of the students in helping to mitigate these expenses," she remarked.

The $12 million supplement is part of a broader initiative aimed at supporting educational infrastructure in Tier 1 and Tier 2 counties. "Not all districts are going to be able to get their $12 million supplement, but I'm really proud to say that Greene County Schools is going to get theirs," Truitt affirmed.

Senator Buck Newton and Representative Chris Humphrey were recognized for their support, with Truitt expressing gratitude for their efforts in securing funding for the project. Additionally, she praised Patrick Greene, last year's North Carolina Principal of the Year, for his ongoing commitment to advancing educational initiatives in the state.

As construction progresses, the Greene County community eagerly anticipates the completion of the new Greene Central High School, which promises to provide a modern and conducive learning environment for students. With the support of state and local stakeholders, the district remains steadfast in its mission to deliver excellence in education.