Jeff Davis County school leaders, employees and community members gathered Thursday morning to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the new Jeff Davis Primary School. The ceremony marked the completion of a project nearly a decade in the making and the beginning of a new chapter for the district’s youngest students.
Jeff Davis County Board of Education Chairman Roger Ogilvie credited former Superintendent Dr. Stan Rentz with first recognizing the need for a new school and beginning the planning process. Ogilvie said the aging former primary school had served generations of local students but had reached a point where continued repairs and renovations were no longer the best long-term solution.
He thanked the many administrators, employees, architects, contractors, local officials and community members who helped bring the project to completion. Ogilvie also recognized local residents for supporting E-SPLOST, the one-cent sales tax that helped make construction of the new school possible.
Dr. Adam Kirby highlighted the teamwork required to complete the approximately 120,000-square-foot facility on schedule and within budget. Site work began in March 2025, and the first concrete slab was poured in July 2025. Kirby praised Parrish Construction and recognized district maintenance, custodial and support employees who moved furniture, prepared classrooms and helped ready the campus for opening.
Jeff Davis Primary School Principal Dr. Shelly McBride said the ribbon cutting represented more than the opening of a new building. “This ribbon cutting marks much more than the opening of a new building,” McBride said. “It represents our community’s investment in the future of our children.” McBride said the students, teachers, staff and families inside the building will be what truly make it special. She added that the school is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment where every child can learn, grow and succeed.
The new building will also house Jeff Davis Pre-K. Director, Dr. Denise Haley said the school will be a place where students can learn, play, build friendships and develop a love of learning.
Superintendent Dr. Chris Roppe described the opening as a new day for students, the school district and the community. Dr. Roppe said the building represents a major financial investment, but its true purpose will be found in the lives, dreams and potential of the children who enter its doors. He expressed hope that the school will be a place where every student feels valued, every family feels welcome and every child is encouraged to believe in a bright future.
As the ribbon was cut, the new Jeff Davis Primary School officially opened its doors to a new generation of students. The building stands as the result of nearly a decade of vision, planning, local support and teamwork. More importantly, school leaders said it represents the opportunities, relationships and memories that will be created inside it for many years to come.
Dr. Roppe closed his remarks by asking the community to continue praying for the district’s students, teachers, staff and families throughout the school year. With the ribbon now cut and students preparing to enter their new classrooms, Jeff Davis County begins a new chapter built on growth, opportunity and hope.
Jeff Davis Primary School is ready to serve students and families for generations to come.
