School Board Member Jim Williams, left, helps school, county, and community officials with tossing the first ceremonial shovels of dirt to start construction of the new Gibbs Elementary School.

"I am the future of America...."

(AVI Video Clip)

(Sept. 1, 2005) Ground was officially broken Thursday, September 1st., for the new Gibbs Elementary School. The new school will be across the street from the current Gibbs High School. Students from the current Gibbs Elementary walked to the new site to take part in the ground breaking ceremonies which had been postponed because of hurricane Katrina.

PTO President Michelle Pacleb welcomed the large gathering of students, teachers, administrators, officials, and community members.

Speakers for the event included Superintendent of Schools Dr. Charles Lindsey, Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale, School Board Representative Jim Williams (who represents the Gibbs community), and Knox County Commissioners Mike McMillan and John Mills.

Students from the current Gibbs Elementary School walked to the site of the new school to take part in the ceremonies.

Happy faces look to the future...

Teachers and students cheered as the first shovels full of dirt marked the beginning of a bright future for their school. The plans for the new school feature a fully equipped state-of-the-art facility when it opens.