By RealWV Staff,
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Thursday marks the first day of the 2023-2024 school year in Raleigh County. However, with the county’s redistricting process now complete, many Beckley-area elementary students will be welcomed back to a whole new environment.
On Friday, Gov. Jim Justice joined area-officials and school administrators for a ribbon cutting at to signify the opening of the new Stratton Elementary School in Beckley.
As explained in a statement released Saturday by the Governor’s office, “The new building replaces the previous Stratton Elementary School, which was recently demolished and will be turned into a parking lot, outdoor basketball court, small turf field, and playground.”
“The old building holds great historical significance to the community and the state as the first all-Black high school in Raleigh County,” the statement continues. “Demolition of the old Stratton School building will take place in the summer of 2024 after students have completed their first full year in the new school.”
The school’s opening coincides with a newly-drawn district map, necessitating a change of school location for many students of both Stratton and Beckley Elementary Schools.
Impacted streets are as follows: Austin Ave., E. St., Elicia Ln., F St., Laurel Terr., Miller St., Mills Ave., Missouri Ave., Mool Ave., Morris Ave., Rhodes St., Rice St., Ringleben St., Roosevelt St., Simpkins St., Smith St., and Smoot Ave. Portions of S. Kanawha, S. Fayette, and Cannady Streets – as well as portions of Springdale Ave. will also be impacted.
The new Stratton Elementary School is located at 1129 S. Fayette St. The phone number to the school is 304-256-4604. Beckley Elementary School is located at 399 Grey Flats Rd., and the phone number is 304-256-4620.
Questions pertaining to changes in attendance locations should be directed to the Raleigh County Schools Transportation Department, at 304-256-4560.
