A New Era begins for Re-built Newnan High School
By KATIE ANDERSON, Out and About
Newnan High School began a new era on August 1: the first day of school in their rebuilt facility.
A catastrophic tornado in 2021 damaged the structure, causing students to attend online school, then multiple classes in trailers, with ninth graders moving to CEC’s campus. After three years, four months, and three days, the school is now fully open for business.
NHS Principal (and NHS graduate) Dr. Gamal Kemp is looking forward to having all of the teachers back on one campus. “It has been three years since teachers were able to have collaborative meetings with their departments. Each department will finally get to plan together in one meeting place. We’ve been saying this week, ‘We are Better Together!’”
Operating a high school during construction has provided challenges. “We’ve been trying to make school as normal as possible while our new facility was being built. We had an average of 300 – 600 construction workers on campus daily, with 18-wheelers and dump trucks coming and going each day, dropping off materials and operating loud drills. We made the best of what we had, and our teachers and students showed resilience and persevered through all of it,” Kemp said.
Andrew Copeland, Coweta County School Board Chairman and District 5 representative, which includes the school, (and NHS graduate), said the school was rebuilt to last at least another 100 years. “Although the building carries a classic facade by design, it is truly state-of-the-art. From the academic halls to the FEMA-graded storm shelter to the athletic facilities, students will be able to achieve great things.
“I would like to thank all the individuals who worked tirelessly to get us to this point – Executive Director of Facilities Ronnie Cheek and his team, the administration, faculty, and staff of Newnan High School, Dr. Horton and central office staff, Parish Construction, and Southern A&E. We truly would not be here without them, and we on the board are all grateful.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the community for trusting us and the process throughout these challenging times. Despite these setbacks, the community’s unwavering support and trust were truly remarkable.
“You believed in our commitment to not only rebuild Newnan High School but to do so in a manner that honors the legacy of those who came before us. Your patience and understanding allowed us to focus on creating a facility that future generations will be proud of,” Copeland said.
The Opening Ceremony was held in the Max Bass Gym on July 28. Speakers included Dr. Gamal Kemp, NHS Principal; Jamie Glover, Assistant Principal; Andrew Copeland, School Board Chairman; Charlie Griffis of Parrish Construction; Newnan Mayor Keith Brady; Dr. Evan Horton, Superintendent of Schools; and Barbara Landreth, beloved retired NHS teacher.
Afterwards, the public was invited to tour the rebuilt and restored facility.
Dr. Kemp said, “The public will see what a modern school looks like with state-of-the-art upgrades, while still holding on to all the Newnan High traditions. From the new and improved auditorium, media center, storm shelter, classrooms, and desks, it is truly a sight to see!
“Our teachers and staff have been through a lot over the past three years. Their focus has remained on our students throughout the rebuild. I am so proud of the work they have put in and want the community to know how great the staff is here at Newnan High School.”
