The setting for the Bryan County Board of Education meeting on Thursday at Richmond Hill High School was a little different than most meetings.
Usually held amongst bookshelves, computers and other typical media center gear, the board’s meeting last week was held in a brand new environment at RHHS featuring brightly-colored, modern furniture, the latest technology, small group centers and more.
Superintendent Dr. Paul Brooksher told the board the newly remodeled space — the media center of what was the old Richmond Hill Middle School — is now called “The Link.”
He explained that RHHS technology resource teacher Levi Sybert, media specialists Annie Kiene and Robin Thompson and school system Technology Director Lori Warren collaborated to create the “21st century learning environment” that will serve as a pilot program for Bryan County Schools.
Sybert said the group worked on the project since the end of August after the building was incorporated into RHHS’ campus when RHMS moved to its new location.
“When we started the year and had taken over this space, we weren’t quite sure what we were gong to do with two media centers,” Thompson explained. “Should we split our books — a logistical nightmare? Do we order a whole other set? How do we go about using this space for both ends of campus?”
Thompson further explained most media centers being built now incorporate a similar environment at The Link with books included. Although books aren’t included in The Link, she said it provides different resources for all students, especially those in technology-based program.
“We also needed some digital production studio space,” she said. “When kids come in to the media center to do any kind of recording, like podcasting or videoing, we had no quiet space for them except for our offices. We knew there were some needs not being met with our space over there (at the old campus), so we addressed those needs over here (at the new campus).”

Read more in the Dec. 26 edition of the News.