Board approves community‑funded locker‑room renovation at Surry Central High School

The Surry County Schools Board approved a community‑funded renovation of the boys' locker room at Surry Central High School following a presentation from James Portner, the school's physical education teacher and head football coach.

Portner described the fieldhouse as original to the early 1980s, with worn metal lockers (many missing doors) and bare concrete floors. The proposal — funded by parents and local businesses — calls for 52 individual wooden lockers with seating, lockable cubby holes for phones and valuables, storage for helmets and shoulder pads, renovated bathroom finishes and a polyurethane, chip‑coated non‑slip floor. Portner said the project will benefit football, baseball and physical‑education classes and that construction would begin in early June after the school year ends.

Board members moved and seconded the renovation request and approved it by voice vote. No dollar total for the full renovation was provided in the meeting transcript; the presenter said parents and businesses have offered to donate the full amount. The board asked that project timing and any facility changes be coordinated with school staff so instructional uses (PE, athletics) are preserved.

The board recorded the motion and approved the project with a voice vote; construction is to start after school ends to avoid interrupting spring athletics and physical‑education classes.

The board also noted basic accessibility and operational questions (e.g., sinks and seating) will be finalized by district staff before work begins.