Berkeley County Schools has commenced construction of a new educational facility, Mountain Ridge Primary School, following a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday. This development is part of the initiatives backed by the 2020 bond to accommodate the rapidly increasing student population in Berkeley County.
The upcoming building will cover 59,955 square feet, offering space for 140 kindergarten students and 350 first- and second-grade students. It will feature modern amenities such as kindergarten, first-, and second-grade classrooms, a cafeteria, gym, media center, and innovation lab, with plans to expand for additional classrooms if needed.
Additionally, a new access road will improve travel for families and bus drivers to Mountain Ridge Primary School and its neighboring Intermediate and Middle Schools.
The event began with a presentation of colors by the Berkeley County Schools Air Force Junior ROTC and a rendition of the national anthem by Vivian Mayes, a student at Mountain Ridge Middle School. Students from Gerrardstown Elementary and Inwood Primary led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Berkeley County Schools Superintendent Ryan Saxe addressed attendees, stating, “This moment marks more than just the beginning of construction but marks the beginning of possibilities for hundreds of young learners in Berkeley County.” He emphasized the project’s significance, saying it reflects a promise to students, families, and staff for a future where academic journeys begin in state-of-the-art environments.
Speeches were also delivered by Lewis Mullenax, executive director of elementary school leadership; Andy Neptune, executive director of the West Virginia School Building Authority; Justin Schooley, Berkeley County Schools deputy superintendent of operations; and Jackee Long, Berkeley County Board of Education president.
Jackee Long expressed her anticipation, recalling her early career in the region: “I started my career in this area, in Bunker Hill and Gerrardstown… This board put a lot of work and effort into this and to see it where we are today, when I saw them, it almost brought tears to my eyes, because I know they are going to thrive and learn and achieve in this building.”
Completion of Mountain Ridge Primary School is expected by June 2026, with plans for students to start attending in the 2026-2027 academic year.
