$5 million renovation project under way at Skipperville schools

Some short-term inconveniences are expected to reap massive benefits and growth at a Dale County school.

G.W. Long Elementary and High schools are undergoing a $5.7 million renovation recently approved by the Alabama Department of Education.

The cost is split between $3.2 million in bond money and $2.5 million in capital improvement money from the state.

Dale County Schools Superintendent Donny Bynum said the changes include construction of an elementary school library, enlarged cafeteria, lobby and restrooms in the gym, additional classrooms, and administrative offices.

Two science laboratories will be built at the high school.

Renovations are expected to be completed by November 2010 and would result in a connection between each building at the campus, except for the lunchroom and shop.

Bynum said the renovations are a result of about two years of planning, as well as discussion on how to move students out of portable classrooms.

About $1 million in other projects at the school, including a weight room, were slashed from the plans amid funding concerns, he said.

“It is important to get our students out of the portable classrooms and in a better learning environment. Because of lack of funding, we were not able to get all the items on the original plans, but we are happy to get started,” Bynum said.

Long High School principal Jason Steed said none of the renovations at the high school were wants, but are instead needs for a growing student body.

“It’s not the purpose to attract students, though if more come, we welcome them. Right now we’re trying to make room for the students we have. We have a Spanish teacher in the same classroom at a different time as our English teacher. Drivers education teaches in another classroom when that teacher is on planning as well,” he said.

Bynum said a little more than 800 students attend Long schools. About 385 of them are in the high school, Steed said.

Bynum said the students will remain on the campus during the construction, but have been advised of some changes in parking and entering at the building.

“We are stressing that safety is of the utmost of importance. There is a perimeter fence installed in most areas, but supervision and cooperation is needed from all,” he said.