Williams Pitches Rison Gym Idea

RISON - Superintendent Jerrod Williams presented the Cleveland County School Board last week with an idea of how the district could build a new gym at the Rison School campus, and possibly have it partially funded through the state's "partnership program" in 2025. Williams presented his idea as the board was finishing up its workshop with Jason Holsclaw of Stephens, Inc., the district's financial adviser. That workshop gave the board members an overview of the district's revenue, debt, its revenue options and how the district compares to others that are of similar size or within the region. The idea presented by Williams was to build what he described as a traditional gym that could also be converted into a space used for other gatherings like graduation, student assemblies, prom and more. He also noted that this would be the sixth new gym project he has been involved with during his education career. He also oversaw the construction of a new gym at Sheridan, where he was previously the superintendent. Williams said the gym at Sheridan was used for multiple purposes as well. He said the put carpeted panels across the gym floor to protect the basketball court when the gym was being used for a non-basketball gathering. He said it took about an hour to put the carpeted panels in place.. As for Rison, he suggested building the gym in what is now the student parking lot. It would be situated between the existing gym and the Pride building. By placing it there, he said the new building could be backed up to the football field so the end that would have the concession stand and restrooms could be shared with the George Walker Field of Champions, if desired. During his presentation, it was brought up that Hampton has a similar arrangement between its gym and the football field. In addition, Williams said the concession stand area at that end of the gym would be slightly elevated above the floor. There would be an open space in fron...