Gouge School opened in 1955, with seven rooms serving grades first through third. It was known as "Little Bowman." Students were bused to Bowmanfor lunch each day. In 1959, five more rooms were added and about that time the name was changed to "Gouge" in respect to Dr. and Mrs. A.E. Gouge from whom the property was purchased. Dr. Gouge was the local doctor for many years. Mrs. Gouge was an outstanding educator in the county beginning in the early 1920's. The 1959 addition allowed Gouge School to house grades first through sixth.

        In 1967, the cafeteria and five more classrooms were built. All the elementary grades first through eighth were moved from Bowman to Gouge. This was completed during the 1966-67 school year. Grade level expansion continued with the addition of kindergarten in 1977.

        In 1978-79, Bowman Middle School was formed after Bowman High School was consolidated into Mitchell High School. This resulted in Gouge having the primary grades, kindergarten through fourth. Students from Ledger School consolidated with Gouge beginning this year.

    During the 1980's, an auditorium-gymnasium was added. Also a mobile unit was added. A much needed access to Cane Creek Road was built during the 1980's.

    In 1993, Gouge School was a well-equipped facility. A paved playground area and paved bus lot were upgraded. Gouge had 17 classrooms, a library, gymnasium, cafeteria, and an office area.

    Again in 2001, construction began on yet another addition to Gouge School. A much needed modern media center was completed in January of 2002. One of the rooms added in 1967 was changed into a teacher's lounge, conference room, faculty restrooms, and a hall leading to the new media center. The new addition contains a furnace and custodial supply room, a work and storage room, a hall and entrance doors leading to the library office and media center. Dedication in memory of Mrs. Patti Conrad made this new addition complete in 2002.

 

Photos and History of Mitchell County Schools