The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Huntington District conducted a Groundbreaking Ceremony of Southern Gap High School on July 30 at the site on Southern Gap. The $92 million project is expected to be completed in the summer of 2026. It will accommodate students from the Grundy, Hurley, and Twin Valley communities. SGHS will be a 9-12 school. Buchanan County Public Schools will keep the three elementary/middle schools open at this time. Council High School is not scheduled to consolidate with the other three Buchanan County Schools, which will be closed when the new school opens.

Representatives from Senator Warner, Senator Kaine, Congressman Griffith, State Representatives, the School Board, County Board of Supervisors, the Contractor, LRD Chief of Real Estate, and LRH District Commander participated in the event.