Pathway to Education A
new middle school broke ground in August 2020 for the Redland community. A $27-million project, Redland Middle School is slated to open for the 2022-2023 academic year. The 111,052-square-foot school is being built on 50 acres of land on Jackson Road donated by county resident and local developer Rodney Griffith. Elmore County Schools superintendent told The Wetumpka Herald two years ago, the project wouldn’t have come to fruition as quickly if it weren’t for Griffith’s generosity. “This is a prime piece of real estate in Elmore County,” Dennis said at the groundbreaking in August 2020. “It’s incredible what he’s done to help us. Thank you so much for your contribution to Elmore County Public Schools.” The board approved the land donation at a special-called meeting in December 2019. The school was designed by Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood to include 32 classrooms, three storm shelters, a gym with lockers, a weight room, a food court-like cafeteria, a media center and several multipurpose spaces, including room for STEM activities. Designed with future expansion in mind, the school could double in size if needed. Additional visions include space for softball, baseball
and football fields. “It’s not just brick and mortar, although that’s very important because we need those and we need the teachers who will teach our students,” board of education member Leisa Finley said, “but always keep in mind that our schools are made up of those students that make a difference in our community and are the future of our community.” Prior to the Redland construction, students in the Redland area attended Wetumpka Middle School. More than 1,000 students were enrolled at the school during the 2018-2019 year. The new school is part of Elmore County’s five-year capital plan, which serves as a guide for the board of education’s funding and scheduling. To help cover planned expenses, the school board approved a $56.9-million bond at the end of 2019, based on the rapid growth of the student population and need for expansions and new builds. The bond also covers renovations at Stanhope Elmore in Millbrook to include a band room and music complex, a new theatre space and a transformed dining area. It also covers a $7-million expansion of the Elmore County Technical Center to bring all its offered programs to one campus.
A new middle school is under construction in the Redland community, set to open for the upcoming school year
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2022-23 FYI
