In Wiggins, Mississippi, faculty from Stone High School took an excited tour of the building that will soon become their school. Wednesday’s walkthrough gave teachers the first close look at the spaces soon to serve as their classrooms and offices.
Realtor-Style Excitement in the Offices
Counselor Brooke Giuffria reflected on her new assignment: while electricity has not yet been connected to her new office, she is already planning how she’ll use the space. She described the room as being roughly the same size as her current one but considered herself fortunate to land a larger office. The upgraded facilities, she noted, are poised to enhance what students can achieve.
Building Staff Camaraderie and Vision
Principal Cyntria Young said the visit provided a valuable chance for staff to bond and envision how they will greet students on day one in the new building. Patrols of the halls and choosing preferred locations allowed the teams to start picturing how the space will function.
Why the New School Was Needed
The decision for a new facility came after the district determined that the original Stone High School campus—more than 60 years old—was no longer meeting modern educational needs. According to Project Manager Michael Sterling, the new building will house more than 30 classrooms, including dedicated spaces for language arts, social studies, math, as well as several high-quality chemistry and physics labs.
Funding and Timeline Details
In 2022, voters in Stone County approved a $19 million bond to fund the new high school’s construction. District Superintendent Boyd West shared that actual construction costs are exceeding $30 million. He emphasized that the fresh, top-tier facility is intended to energize students and establish an elevated culture of learning and achievement. Officials expect the building to be ready in time for the 2026-27 school year.
