During its Jan. 25 meeting, the Franklin County Schools Board of Education approved a new athletic facility to be built at Belgreen High School, including a football field, track and related components, to be funded in the amount of $1.5 million through a private donor by means of a charitable pledge agreement.

“This is a tremendous blessing for the students and community as well as the Franklin County Schools system,” said Franklin County Superintendent Greg Hamilton.

BHS Principal Megean Berryman said it’s exciting for the students and community to have the opportunities that will be provided once this undertaking is complete.

“We are extremely excited about this new endeavor and very appreciative to be able to benefit from such a generous donation,” said Berryman. “The track that will be around the football field will provide our track team a place to practice, as well as make it so that we will be able to host track events.”

FC BOE member Shannon Oliver noted the track will be state regulation, the only regulated track in the county. “It will be available to benefit not only Belgreen students but also the other students in the county schools.”

Berryman said the project is a blessing. “The athletic facilities that have been and will be added to our campus are stellar. Mr. Hamilton has already met with the architect, and plans are being made to get this next project started.”

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Johnny Cleveland expressed his enthusiasm for the project, as well. “The announcement concerning the proposed athletic facility at Belgreen High School is a blessing to the community as well as to the Franklin County Schools system, and I look forward to working with all the people that will be involved in this project.”