Batesville School District Celebrates Opening of New Performing Arts Center

Batesville High School student and member of the choir, theater, and band, Kagen Middleton, opened the ceremony, saying, “Today is an exciting day as we gather to cut the ribbon to open the Batesville Performing Arts Center. For students like me, this building is a reminder that arts connect us all and that the Batesville School District truly believes in giving students every opportunity to learn, grow, and shine.”

Middleton then introduced Dr. Ginni McDonald, Superintendent of Batesville School District, who expressed her gratitude to those who made the project possible.

“It is a wonderful day to celebrate creativity, community, and opportunity. Thank you to our partners Nabholz Construction and architect Randy Palcott. We also want to thank our donors and dedicated staff who helped make this a reality,” McDonald said. “The Batesville Performing Arts Center is much more than a building—it’s a place that joins imagination and learning. It’s a stage where our students will sing, dance, act, and discover their voices. It will inspire creativity, confidence, and collaboration for generations to come and stands as a testament to our district’s commitment to education that values the arts as deeply as academics and athletics.”

Dr. Ken James, Batesville native, former BSD Superintendent, and former Arkansas Commissioner of Education, also spoke at the event.

“What an awesome day and an awesome opportunity,” said James. “This facility speaks volumes for this community, and everyone gathered here. It is a showpiece for the fine arts environment in Batesville. Thanks to the hard work of so many and the generosity of this community, this building stands debt-free. I am so proud of our students and this community.”

Scott Fredricks, Chairman of the Batesville School District Board of Directors, echoed the theme of growth and opportunity.

“I am truly honored to be here today—a day that represents an exciting new chapter for our students,” said Fredricks. “This is a place where students will explore their talents and develop creativity, confidence, and collaboration—skills that will serve them throughout life. Beyond this stage, the project also provides a much-needed cafeteria and additional classrooms supporting both the arts and career education. Thanks to the hard work of our board, staff, and the generosity of our community, we accomplished this with no additional tax dollars.”

BACC CEO Crystal Johnson shared her pride in the district’s continued investment in the community’s future. “The Batesville Performing Arts Center represents the power of community partnerships and a shared vision for the future,” said Johnson. “This facility will not only enhance opportunities for students but also enrich the cultural and economic vitality of our region. It’s a shining example of what happens when innovation, education, and community come together.”

The Batesville Performing Arts Center stands as a milestone achievement for the district and community, symbolizing a lasting investment in education, creativity, and the future of Batesville’s students.

For more information about the Batesville Performing Arts Center and Batesville School District, visit https://www.batesvilleschools.com/. 

Ambassadors in attendance include: Alexandra McClain (Myers-Davis Life Coaching), Andrea Bruner (Network of Community Options), Ashley Davis (Citizens Bank), Brenda Rivera (First Community Bank), Cassidy Mitchell (Lyon College), Cori Perkey (Southern Bank), Crystal Kimmer (White River Health), Kaitlin Thorogood (Jay Chafin Insurance Agency), Lindy Hopper (First Community Bank), Lori Campbell (Batesville School District), Lori Tacker (Batesville Eye Care Center), Michael Kelley (Peco Foods), Sarah Ring (Southern Bank), Silje Antonsen (First Community Bank), and Sydney Wood (Main Street Batesville).