Westmont Elementary May Be Ready To Open On Friday
Westmont Elementary School students may be in their new building by the end of the week, according to a statement today from the Columbia County School District.
Students, faculty and staff have been anxiously awaiting the opening of the new building on Oakley Pirkle Road in Martinez that wasn’t ready in time when the school year began August 5. Because of the delay, students have been bused to the Performing Arts Center in Evans, where classes have been held since then.
School district officials say the contractor for the new Westmont building says work is wrapping up this week and all items may be completed by this Friday, August 16, which would allow the doors to finally open for students and staff.
Westmont Elementary May be Ready Friday, but a Contingency Plan is in Place
“While we have been told that the building will be ready on Friday, we have prepared contingency plans where students will report to the Columbia County School District Support Department Complex, located at 4595 River Watch Parkway, if needed,” according to a statement from the Columbia County School District.
Officials say they don’t anticipate the need for temporary student accommodations beyond this Friday, but contingency plans are in place if the need arises.
Contingency Plan Calls for Classes to be Held at the Columbia County Exhibition Center Next Week, if Needed
“We understand the frustration and uncertainty these delays may have caused, and we apologize for any inconvenience. We are continuing to work diligently to get our students and staff into the new facility as quickly and as safely as possible,” according to the statement.
In the event Westmont’s building is not open next week and students have to move to the Columbia County Exhibition Center in Grovetown for classes, plans are in place:
- School buses would continue to provide transportation
- Grab and go breakfast and lunch would be provided until students return to their new school building
- Before and after school care would continue to be available for those who are already registered
- Self-contained students would remain in their temporary locations at surrounding schools
More Information will be Coming this Week
Further parent communication will be shared this Thursday, August 15.