Gallatin R-V Celebrates Ribbon Cutting for New Elementary Playground

By Allison Oba

August 27, 2026

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The Gallatin R-V School District celebrated the opening of a new elementary playground with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Covel D. Searcy Elementary School on August 19, 2026. District leaders, members of the Board of Education and project partners gathered to mark the completion of an improvement designed to give students an inviting place to play, move and connect during the school day.

The completed playground includes new play structures, slides, swings, climbing features and cushioned play surfacing. The new equipment expands the range of age-appropriate activities available to students and creates a bright, welcoming outdoor setting next to the elementary school.

“This new playground represents more than new equipment. It reflects our community’s investment in our students and in the everyday experiences that help children learn, grow and build relationships. We are grateful to Gallatin voters for supporting the April 2026 bond issue and to everyone who helped bring this project to completion.”

 

–  Derek Brady, Gallatin R-V Superintendent

 

The playground is one component of a larger district facilities improvement project approved by Gallatin voters in April 2026. The broader project represents the district’s continued investment in student spaces and school facilities and is being developed and delivered in partnership with Veregy.

RIBBON-CUTTING PARTICIPANTS

Board of Education members in attendance included Pam Critten, president; Courtney Story, vice president; Dillon Bird; Amy Heldenbrand; Debra Sweatman; Kenneth Youtsey II; and Wesley Gay. District administrators included Superintendent Derek Brady; Covel D. Searcy Elementary Principal Susan Allen; Gallatin Middle School Principal Tracy Burke; and Gallatin High School Principal Brent Burke. Veregy representatives Sage Acorn, Ron Ash and Ken Eaton also attended but are not pictured.

The district thanks the Gallatin community for its continued support and looks forward to seeing students enjoy the new playground for years to come.

Gallatin Rv New Playground Ribbon Cutting With Veregy

“Thank you to the entire Gallatin R-V team for their outstanding partnership and collaboration. It is an honor to help the district reach its infrastructure and facility goals throughout the district, and we are thrilled to celebrate the completion of this first project which resulted in a vibrant new space for Covel D. Searcy Elementary students.”

 

– Sage Acorn, Account Executive, Veregy

 

The district is also undergoing additional improvements across campus, including:

  • New doors and hardware, and door frames in select locations
  • Pressure washing and painting the exterior of the gymnasium of the High School
  • Renovations at Pre-K include: new acoustic ceilings, plaster in restrooms and corridors, paint throughout, and new LVT carpet flooring tile
ABOUT GALLATIN R-V SCHOOL DISTRICT

Gallatin R-V School District serves students and families in Gallatin, Missouri, with a mission of “Leading the Way to Success.” The district is committed to providing safe, welcoming and effective learning environments for every student.

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