The new Sand Hill Elementary School building is set to be completed by mid-August 2025. This presents a significant challenge for Marshall County Schools officials as they navigate the timeline for removing the modular temporary classroom facility. Superintendent Shelby Haines emphasizes the need for "plenty of time" to ensure a smooth transition. Facilities Director Michael Price notes that the building's finishes are progressing well and that the school is starting to take shape. However, the main challenge lies in opening the new school on time while removing the modular, which requires careful coordination and planning.

Project Challenges and Solutions

The new school building's deadline for completion is mid-August 2025. The project schedule includes removing the modular from the site at the end of the current school year. Price points out that the main challenge will be opening the school on time while removing the modular. The modular consists of eight separate trailers that need to be removed approximately two-and-a-half to three months before the first day of the next school year. This allows sufficient time for the contractor to build the sewage plant infrastructure. Price also discusses the "plan A and B" for removing the modular and the potential for delays. He emphasizes the importance of keeping the BOE members informed about the developments.The sewage plant must be completed before school begins as it is a requirement for the building to operate. Price notes that getting the modular out will be more difficult than getting it in due to the need to unload the furnishings. At a previous BOE meeting, it was determined that multiple classrooms would be completed in the new school building by May, allowing for the transfer of items from the modular. Price also explores potential locations for moving the modular, with John Marshall High School being a possibility.Haines adds that they have been meeting with the Sand Hill community and school leadership to gather feedback and explore options for closing out the last few weeks of school. They have already had one meeting and will meet again in December to finalize the plans.The team is aware of the challenges ahead but is committed to ensuring a successful transition. They believe they are "on top" of the project's timeline and are working hard to make it happen.