Monday, high school teachers are packing up and moving out after weeks of uncertainty in Fluvanna County.
For a while, it didn't seem the new high school would be opening - now that's changed. It's a day many didn't think would happen, even as late as last week due to budget wrangling and disagreements. But the moving trucks and the boxes are now in motion.
Staff members moved books and supplies to the new high school with the help of Walmart, who provided the moving truck. The plan is to have everyone out of the old high school by Monday night to make way for Fluvanna Middle School to move into that building on Tuesday.
Family members and student volunteers all chipped in to help with the transition. Fluvanna County High School Assistant Principal Margo Bruce said, "Lots of mixed emotions. I'm excited -at the same time, it's a little sad because not only do I work here, I also graduated from here."
Opening the new high school was largely made possible by additional funding from the board of supervisors. It gave the school system an extra $650,000.
Fluvanna Superintendent Gena Keller is excited to move in, but also says the school system still faces a number of challenges.
"Another thing that has hit really hard is we still have to furlough. We have no choice. We have to furlough to bring a little money back into the budget," said Keller. "So that means there will be two days we remove from the calendar."
She says some of the worst news is the rising cost of insurance - sticking the county with an $850,000 bill. Keller added, "We have nowhere else to get that money, but to take it away from benefits."
Despite hurdles along the way, Keller is happy that some good came out of the controversy. "I've always believed in the midst of a crisis there is always a silver lining somewhere," she said. "We've got to grab it and move forward."
The school is scheduled to open on August 13. There will also be an open house for the community in June or July.
