JOSH DAVIS/BAYSIDE GAZETTE
Land near the current Showell Elementary School has been cleared to make way for the new, $47 million building that’s set to open by 2020.

By Morgan Pilz, Staff Writer

(Nov. 29, 2018) Bill Moschler of Oak Contracting, LLC presented an update on construction activities for the new $47 million Showell Elementary School at the Worcester County Public Schools Board of Education meeting, last Tuesday.

“Work has been completed in the last 30 days,” Moschler said. “The perimeter construction fence has been installed. Jersey wall barriers have been installed to separate the portals from the immediate work area. Tree removal is complete and stump and root mat removal is complete as well.”

Current work includes sediment erosion control measures. Construction is anticipated to start within the next 30 days.

Plans to replace the aging and outgrown Showell Elementary date back to 2014. The Worcester County Commissioners approved funding for the preconstruction and bidding process in January.

The current 5,200 square-foot facilities will be replaced with a state-of-the-art 9,600 square-foot building, eliminating the need for the nine portable classrooms currently in use and allowing an additional grade to return to the school.

At present, the 40-year-old school enrolls 536 students from kindergarten through third grade. Fourth graders were moved out of the building because there was not enough space. With the additional 4,400 square feet, around 280-290 fourth grade students will return to the building upon reopening.

The project officially broke ground on Tuesday, Sept. 25. The new school is expected to be completed by the beginning of fall 2020 school year.