School History
The original school, "Jobe School," was located at New Salem across the highway from the New Salem Church and Cemetery, and one mile east of the town of Couch. Consolidation of several elementary school districts started in 1923 with Jobe, Bond and others so a high school could be organized. The first year the high school only had ninth grade, with Guy Sipe as superintendent. Through his efforts a second year was obtained which made it a third class high school. Couch remained a two-year high school until 1929 when further consolidation was undertaken, thereby making it a fully accredited first class high school. The six members of the graduating class of 1930 were the first for the newly credited four year high school.
During the 1930-31 school year Couch School had an enrollment of 190 students; 67 high school and 123 in elementary with a total of six teachers. Because consolidation had made the enrollment so large a new site and building were needed. During 1930 bonds were voted to build a new school building. A site was chosen nearer the center of the district, with a new building erected in 1939, which is still in use today. During 1940-1941 with the help of NYA labor a new agriculture building with classroom and shop area was constructed. In 1950 a new elementary building was constructed. 1955 saw a new vocational agriculture building with the old agriculture building being remodeled into a new cafeteria. April of 1965 saw another bond voted in for a new gym with classrooms for science and music. Title one funds in 1966 provided a new library. In 1977 and 1978 two trailers were added for remedial classes. The 1990’s saw an addition to the library for computer labs and junior high classrooms.
Couch High School again saw enrollment rise in 1977 with the addition of high school bound students from Ripley County R3 (Gatewood) School. In 2003 Ripley County R4 (Lonestar) School ninth grade students also joined the student body.
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