Greenville County Schools Breaks Ground on New Elementary School
Greenville, South Carolina – Greenville County Schools has officially started construction on a new two-story building named Reedy Laurel Elementary School. This school will have the capacity to educate 750 students and is being built on the former site of the old J.L. Mann High School. The location is along Isbell Lane, in close proximity to I-85.
Significance of the Name
School leaders revealed that the school’s name pays homage to the historical context of the area, as the Reedy River and Laurel Creek run through it. This reflects the region’s natural features and aims to connect the students with their local environment.
Student Reassignment and Capacity Issues
The groundbreaking ceremony took place just one week after the Greenville County School Board approved a significant student reassignment plan. This plan will impact more than 900 students from the district, which serves a total of 78,000 students. Of these, 600 students are set to enroll in the new elementary school, while another 300 students will be shifted to other existing schools. District officials stated that this reassignment strategy aims to resolve overcrowding, create 25 boundary changes, and improve building capacity across various school levels.
Opening Timeline
Reedy Laurel Elementary School is scheduled to open its doors in August 2024. Initially, it will cater to students in grades K5 through second grade. Each subsequent school year, the school will gradually add new grades until it reaches full capacity, offering classes from K5 through fifth grade by 2028.
Excitement for New Programs
The principal of Reedy Laurel expressed enthusiasm not only for the construction of the new building but also for the introduction of innovative educational programs. These programs are expected to enhance the learning experience and provide students with a well-rounded education.
Community Impact
This new elementary school is anticipated to positively affect the local community by alleviating overcrowding in existing schools and providing a modern educational environment for students. The introduction of new educational programs is also likely to attract families to the area, contributing to community growth and engagement.
Conclusion
The groundbreaking of Reedy Laurel Elementary School marks an important step for Greenville County Schools. With the new structure aiming to support educational development and accommodate a significant number of students, the district is addressing its needs proactively. As construction progresses, community members are encouraged to stay informed about further developments and the impact these changes will bring to the area.
