By Morgan Pilz, Staff Writer
(May 28, 2020) The construction of the new Showell Elementary School is continuing as scheduled according to the latest update report during the Worcester County Public Schools Board of Education teleconference meeting held on Tuesday, May 19.
Chief Financial Officer Vince Tolbert provided the monthly update to the construction of the new school.
Photo by Morgan Pilz
Construction continues on the new Showell Elementary School in Showell on Tuesday, May 19.
“I had a chance to tour the building yesterday with Mr. [Steve] Price,” Tolbert said. “It’s amazing how finished that building is getting and how beautiful it’s turning out to be. And as we were leaving [Monday] morning, furniture trucks were pulling up to deliver the furniture. I hope you [will] be able to tour the building very soon.”
Within the last 30 days, work has been completed on the roof drains and the front entrance. Plumbing work has been done and sprinkler heads and fire alarms have been installed.
Work is currently being done to complete the courtyard concrete paving, installation of drywall, carpet and tiles, kitchen equipment, insulation and light fixtures.
Tolbert noted that furniture is expected to be placed in the appropriate locations within the next 30 days.
In addition, within the next 30 days, construction crews will begin the process of demolishing the portable classrooms and the existing building and staff parking.
Work is also being done to create a new front entrance for the school and expand the school’s playground.
The new 9,600-square-foot building will replace the current 5,200-square-foot school, and will eliminate the need for the nine portable classrooms at the school.
At present, the 40-year-old school has 536 students from kindergarten through third grade. Fourth graders, who were moved out of the building because of insufficient space, will return once the $47 million school opens.
The school is expected to accept over 130 new students once it is open for the 2020-2021 school year in September.