School district holds open house for newly renovated offices

The Holmes County School Board unveiled the district’s updated offices Monday, July 29.

The district’s central office is located at 307 W. North Avenue in Bonifay, the site that formerly housed Bonifay Elementary School, which closed in 2017 as the current Bonifay K-8 school opened its doors for students.

In front of Bonifay Fire Rescue’s ladder 1, another painted Bonifay boot by Kate Bush Steele and Brandi Jordan is on display at the Holmes District School Board Office. [KINSLEY COOK | The Advertiser]

Community members, district staff, and students gathered in front of the office to commemorate the grand opening with a ribbon cutting, picnic lunch, and tour of the building.

Holmes County School Superintendent Buddy Brown gave his thanks to the many hands involved in renovating the office including Jack Baker and Stewart Wiggins with DAG Architects. “They ensured meeting codes as well as delivering an efficient building for use” said Brown. Renovations included a complete roof replacement, LED lights to conserve energy, and a reliable HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioner) system. Efforts of beautification externally are also prevalent onsite.

Additionally, Brown highlighted and showed gratitude to the labor produced by inmates from the Holmes County Jail throughout the renovation process. In a discussion with Brown, he stated that the individuals saved the school board office an estimated two hundred and fifty thousand dollars.

A special appreciation was given to former Bonifay Elementary School principal, Ken Yates, in the form of a namesake sign, titled, Ken Yates Way. “It’s either Ken’s way, or no way,” said Brown when presenting Yates with the honor. Yates retired in 1995 after 30 years with the Holmes County School system.