School construction on schedule in Quitman

Posted 2/22/17

New construction created from Quitman School District’s approval of a $10.5 million bond passed in November 2015 has jumpstarted a new enthusiasm and pride on the Quitman High School campus.

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School construction on schedule in Quitman

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New construction created from Quitman School District’s approval of a $10.5 million bond passed in November 2015 has jumpstarted a new enthusiasm and pride on the Quitman High School campus.

“The last 12 months have been energizing for board of trustees, our students and our staff. The changes we see as a result of the approval of the bond have led to a renewed spirit, and burst of pride in our school,” QISD Superintendent Rhonda Turner exclaimed. “Additionally, the district is honored to be a part of the overall plan of revitalization for this community. We want our efforts to support the overall plan for Quitman and the endeavors our city is engaged in.”

Currently under construction are the band hall, four classrooms on the west side of the campus and a new cafeteria serving area and kitchen on the east side. For the most part, good weather has kept the project either ahead or on schedule over the past year.

”It is exciting to see the walls going up and the change in the landscape of the building. I was touring construction last week, and I thought, when our doors open for the 2017-2018 school year, our students will be playing instruments in this new band hall, receiving instruction in these new classrooms and being served their meals from a state-of-the-art kitchen,” Turner explained.

Turner added she is excited for the community and the theater department when it comes to renovations and updates in the auditorium. “We frequently host events in our auditorium and the new sound system, lighting, seats, paint and overall makeover is something to be proud of,” Turned noted. “Our district is known statewide for our incredible theater department led by Kristina Johnson, and I believe our students and community are deserving of the upgrades. Local events like the Dogwood Pageant, town hall meetings and public forums which are hosted in the auditorium will benefit from the renovations.”

Turner observed the revamped campus will improve security. “QISD is constantly looking at ways to improve security and we are so pleased the bond project will be providing another layer of security for our secondary campus,” Turner assured. “The new entrance will have secure access and require any visitors to enter through an additional secure zone with a monitored check-in system. Safety is a priority for our district and we are committed to making the investments needed.”

Work done prior to the construction of new buildings included a new roof, new hot and cold water lines and air conditioning for the elementary school gym. The new parking lot in front of the junior high and high school was completed before school started last fall and is currently in use.