Highland Springs Middle School Completion in North Augusta Could be Delayed
Aiken County School officials say it’s possible the new Highland Springs Middle School under construction won’t be finished in time when the new school year begins at the end of July.
Officials say weather delays and backordered supplies could mean students and staff won’t be in the new building on Fountainhead Drive in North Augusta when school begins July 25.
“We are pushing, of course, for occupancy by July 25,” said Chief Officer of Operations Dr. Corey Murphy. “We want students, their families and our community to know that we have developed a contingency plan for Highland Springs students to begin the year at a temporary school location, if necessary,” Murphy said.
If there is a delay, the contingency plan calls for sixth grade students to be temporarily housed at North Augusta Middle School on their own wing of the campus. Seventh and eighth grade students would occupy the second floor of Aiken Technical College’s 100 building, as well as the 700 building next door, utilizing 18 classrooms, the gym and a reception area at Aiken Tech before college students return for the fall semester. Paul Knox Middle School would house a special programs self-contained classroom for Highland Springs students requiring those services.
Transportation would be provided to students, if the Contingency Plan is put into place. It would also ensure that school meals are available for students, regardless of a student’s temporary location.
“Our hope is that this is nothing more than a plan,” said Highland Springs Middle School Principal Paige Day. “Whether we start the school year on our new campus or temporarily in an alternative location, we’ll be ready on July 25 to welcome our students and ensure safety, effective teaching and learning, as well as access to nutritious meals and efficient transportation,” said Day.
A press release says The Contingency Plan will only be implemented if the new campus isn’t ready for the State Department’s Office of School Facilities final inspection, scheduled for July 12.
