Nicholas County Schools moving forward after 2016 floods, construction underway in Summersville

NICHOLAS COUNTY, WV (WOWK) – Back to school looks different for students and staff in Nicholas County, where the aftermath of the 2016 floods still lingers.

“Eight years is long enough, and it’s been eight years since the flood,” Nicholas County Schools Superintendent Terrence Beam said.

For eight years, Summersville Middle School students have been operating out of portable pods, waiting to return to more permanent classrooms. Due to issues with bids, COVID and a change in leadership, construction has been delayed, but now an end to that waiting period is finally in sight.

“We’re finally on the right track. We’re finally on a track that we can afford financially,” Beam said. “It’s a thrill for me to see this happen for our school system and kids. They deserve better than what they’ve had, and now we’re able to deliver for them.”

Construction is now underway to build the Summersville Academic Complex. Once complete, the building will hold up to 1,200 students from Summersville Middle School, which was heavily damaged in the 2016 floods, and Summersville and Glade Creek Elementary Schools, which are in need of upgrades. The facility comes with an $85,000,000 price tag.

Even though the schools will be under one roof, Beam said the elementary and middle schools will have different entrances. The complex will also have turf fields for football and soccer teams, a grass practice field, a running track as well as baseball and softball fields.

“We’re really excited about this whole project. It’s just been an amazing adventure,” Beam said. “I’ve only been in this position for a year, but I am a Nicholas Countian, I’ve lived here my entire life. To see us actually breaking ground and bringing equipment in and building foundations is exciting for me and our community.”

Richwood Middle and High School were also affected by the 2016 floods. A project to expand Cherry River Elementary building to house Richwood students is still underway. Beam said the multi-million dollar project is expected to be completed in about a year.

“I went to Richwood High School. My granddaughter graduated from Richwood High School last year and she never got to be in high school and that’s sad that happened but we have a lot of kids that have had to do that,” Beam said.

Beam is hoping Richwood students will be able to move into this new building in time for high school graduation next year. Meanwhile, the Summersville Academic Complex won’t be complete until the 2027-28 academic year.

Both projects are funded by FEMA and the School Building Authority of West Virginia.

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