Clarkesville Elementary School will be ready for new and returning students after enduring more than a year of renovations and adding a wing to the school.
Construction began
Construction started in June of 2023 for the new addition that would add 10 classrooms to the school. As part of the project, the cafeteria and kitchen were expanded and renovated. Also included in the project was additional parking for teachers and improved loading and off loading for school buses.
The maximum guaranteed price for the project was just shy of $11.2 million. As of three weeks ago, the project was coming in under budget with just under $10 million being spent.
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At the Habersham County School Board’s work session in early July, Assistant School Superintendent Patrick Franklin told the board members that all construction and renovations were nearing completion. All that was left were punch list items.
On July 29, contractors were on site at the school cleaning and completing minor projects that were on that punch list.
Teachers return
The first day back to school for most teachers was also July 29. Clarkesville Elementary School was abuzz with excitement since a new school year was just around the corner. For a few teachers, there was the added excitement of getting a brand new classroom.
Second grade teacher MaKensie Barrs was impressed with her new classroom. “I love it,” she said. “I think that the rooms are a great size.” She thinks it will be good for the students as well. “I think it’s going to allow the students to learn to the best of their ability and they’re going to enjoy it while they’re at it.”
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The music teacher for Clarkesville Elementary School is excited as well about the additional space in her new classroom, specifically to store the instruments she uses in her classroom instruction. “I am super excited about the new addition. I’m just excited about what we’re going to be able to accomplish this year,” she said.
Growth
Clarkesville Elementary School Principal Georgia Pitts spoke about the need for the addition to the school, especially with growth coming to the county. Less than a mile away from her school, a large apartment complex opened. “As our county thinks about growth for our county, they have already started planning for that growth,” she said. She explains that part of that plan was the addition of a new wing to her school which added eight new classrooms, a music room, and an art room.
She praised Carroll Daniels construction for their work on the school property. “They’ve kept students first in mind the whole time,” Pitts said. “They wanted to make sure that everything was safe for our students and for our staff. They communicated every step of the way.”
The vast majority of the construction project took place during last school year. Immediately after school was released for summer break this year, renovations to the kitchen, the cafeteria, and the parking areas began.
While the construction was ongoing last year, the contractor fogged out windows in the school to minimize distractions for students wanting to watch the construction outside. However, students could still hear the work being done. Since students didn’t really get to see the work in progress Pitts said, “They’re going to be so excited when they come in.”
Open house
Teachers and administrators are preparing to receive nearly 500 students for the upcoming school year. Wednesday, July 31, will be the first opportunity for students and parents to see the completed project. Open house for new and returning students at Clarkesville Elementary School will be Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
