 |
The construction of two schools in Calhoun County means two older schools in the district will eventually close.
This week, construction began on a new kindergarten-through-8th-grade facility that is directly across from Calhoun County High School, while an addition to Sandy Run Elementary School is also under way.
“I’m excited about the fact we’re finally getting something out of the ground. It’s a positive day for education in Calhoun County. I look forward to the bright future these new schools will bring,” Superintendent Ken Westbury said.
Westbury said both projects should be complete in time for the start of the 2009-10 school year.
At that point, both Guinyard Elementary and John Ford Middle schools will close their doors. Westbury said students from those schools will attend either the new school or Sandy Run, which will expand to a K-8 school.
Roughly speaking, Westbury said students living in the lower part of Calhoun County will attend the yet-to-be named new school while students residing in the upper region of the county will go to Sandy Run.
Announcement of the construction last summer sparked controversy. Critics suggested the two schools would create de facto segregation in the district with one school being built in a predominantly white area and the other in a largely black area. The district rejected those sentiments, saying the construction of the two schools would further desegregate the district.
Community members also said the district’s board rushed with the decision and they weren’t properly informed. Some also were upset because they had emotional ties to Guinyard and John Ford, which were built more than 50 years ago.
The board will begin the process of selecting a name for the new St. Matthews area school during a Monday meeting.
In total, the two projects could cost up to $17 million.
Westbury said the funding for the projects came through borrowing around $32 million.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the two projects has been tentatively scheduled for May 28.
Westbury also said the district is finalizing plans for renovations and additions to Calhoun County High School, which he estimates will cost around $9 million.
T&D Staff Writer Lee Tant can be reached at ltant@timesanddemocrat.com and 803-534-1060.