County school projects still on schedule
The construction projects in the Morgan County School System are on schedule despite the inclement weather since the beginning of the year.
Volkert Inc. is the construction manager for the new Priceville High School, Brewer High School athletic facility, Falkville High School additions and renovations, new MCS transportation and maintenance facility and the new MCS Central Office. Volkert’s Kevin Gunnison updated the board of education on the progress of these projects during a regularly scheduled work session Thur., May 14.
Gunnison assured the board that all of the projects are expected to be finished on time even though they have had weather delays. All projects are expected to be completed for students and employees by this August.
Priceville’s new high school is expected to accommodate instructional space for 600 students and common areas for 900 students. A building pad for a future classroom addition for 300 more students is also included in the project.
The $23.8 million project is their top priority right now, according to Gunnison.
“Priceville’s new school is progressing well,” Gunnison said. “This is priority number one for us, so it will be ready for students for the upcoming school year. We have prioritized the work for the occupancy buildings, such as classrooms, and then we will finish up the gyms.”
Gunnison said Superintendent Bill Hopkins Jr. has been on the project site at least every other day.
“Everything looks absolutely gorgeous out there,” Hopkins said. “I know it’s going to be a great addition to Morgan County Schools and a source of pride.”
The Brewer athletic facility is very near completion with the roof almost ready to be constructed. Volkert’s May report for the board puts the facility at 99 percent complete.
Falkville’s additions and renovations are considered about 60 percent complete, according to the report. Most of the framework is finished, and ceiling tiles and floor coverings were expected to be installed sometime this week. New brickwork was intricately laid to blend with the existing brickwork at the buildings entrance.
“The existing school area renovations look really nice,” Gunnison said. “We want it all to look seamless, and I think they are doing a good job.”
The new central office is in the process of being bricked and shingled and should soon receive shipments of furniture and fixtures. It will replace the existing central office on Highway 67 in Decatur. That property has already been sold.