By Staff
Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
The opening of the new school building in Eva has been put on hold until next school year, according to Don Murphy, superintendent of Morgan County Schools.
"We had hoped to get in after the AEA break," said Murphy, "but the punch list of items still left to be done made that impossible."
He added, "To make the move now or within the next few weeks would not be practical because of the disruption it would create for the faculty and students."
Murphy said the building is about 90 percent complete with the landscaping left to be done.
The building will accommodate kindergarten through eighth grade students. It has two computer labs, a science lab, a writing to read lab and a library. A special interior feature is wood ceilings in some areas.
The architectural design of the building represents a step back in time, according to Murphy.
"It has a resemblance to the old building, with a clock tower located at the southeast corner and a section of a front wall finished with native rock, which was salvaged from the old building," he pointed out.
"We have had to make adjustments with all of the construction work going on," said Shelia Burt, principal. "Sixth through eighth grade students are in portable classrooms as well as the library and art and music.
"Since classroom space is limited the portables are equipped mainly with desks and chairs. Other equipment has been stored. Also, since we don't have lockers, each classroom has been supplied with sets of textbooks so students don't have to lug their books around from building to building," she pointed out.
"Our teachers took a tour of the new building last week. They were very pleased with the way it looks and are excited about getting into it. It's a great asset for our community and will do much to make learning an exciting and enjoyable experience for our students," she added.
A public open house is planned for August 9 at 6:30 p.m.
Mills &Cawood is the architect firm and Building Construction Associates is the general contractor.