Board Votes in Support of "Meredith Leigh Haynes - Bennie Lee Inman Education Center"

Contact: Lillian M. Govus (336) 370-8997
Created: 8/11/2009 8:04:45 PM

For the first time in Guilford County Schools history, a facility is being named for a former student, as well as for an educator. The board voted to name the new special education facility the "Meredith Leigh Haynes - Bennie Lee Inman Education Center." The school, located in Jamestown, will serve exceptional children in the western part of the district.

Meredith Leigh Haynes attended Gateway Education Center in Greensboro, although her family lived in Jamestown. Diagnosed with tuberous sclerosis as a toddler, she needed specialized programs to meet her needs, even if it meant being transported across the county.

Bennie Lee Inman served as the director of the Greensboro Cerebral Palsy School for more than 30 years and has dedicated her life to ensuring the education, training and success of special needs children. Inman also played an integral role opening the Gateway Education Center.

The Meredith Leigh Haynes - Bennie Lee Inman Education Center, a project of the 2003 and 2008 School Bonds, is now under construction and is expected to open in the fall of 2010. A groundbreaking ceremony for the new school will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, September 27, 2009.