The District 32 Board of Education has approved the use of temporary classrooms at Perryville High School, where students and teachers have been displaced by the March 14 tornado.
During a special meeting on June 25, the board contracted with Flex TC to supply those facilities and use them for as long as they are needed.
“The board’s actions will allow us to begin work on the infrastructure needed for the temporary buildings,” said Superintendent Dr. Fara Jones. “Flex TC is now prepping the buildings to meet our deadline of having them operational so our high-school students can begin school together on time on Aug. 20. We are thankful for the board’s ability to work on such a tight schedule, meeting several times each week to approve bids and make decisions to best serve our students and staff today and in the future.”
The planned temporary buildings will include classrooms, science labs, a band and choir complex, a family and consumer sciences room, a weight room and locker room, along with administrative offices.
Some of these structures will be built on the PHS gravel lot, which will be paved beforehand. The remaining buildings will be placed within walking distance of the areas they serve.
“These facilities will be much more modern and spacious than the trailer-style temporary buildings most of us are accustomed to. They are large, commercial-grade structures with interior hallways, windows, bathrooms, and HVAC systems,” Dr. Jones said. “These facilities will give our high school students clean, safe environments that are conducive to learning, away from the noise and disruption of the work to repair and rebuild the high school.”
The temporary buildings will prevent the district from having to relocate high school students to the elementary, middle school, or the Career and Technical Center. Teachers and students will continue to use the Old Senior High School, the old industrial arts building, as well as spaces in the PHS annex that faces Gator Bowl Drive.
Dr. Jones said the temporary structures will only be used as long as they are needed, and the district has the flexibility to move students and staff back to their usual spaces at the high school as repairs and safety inspections are finished. For example, the PHS science wing did not suffer as much damage as some other parts of the school, so those teachers might be able to return to their rooms sooner than others.
Turf, windows to be replaced
The board has also awarded a bid to Pollock Landscaping for turf replacement on the game and practice football fields.
“Work will also begin this week on the football fields to allow our student-athletes to play on our home field,” Dr. Jones said. Another bid was awarded to Liberty Glass to replace the windows at the Old Senior High, and the roof replacement on that building is nearing completion. Roof and ceiling work are ongoing at the Career Center, and the replacement of guttering and soffits will start soon. The elementary school is being prepared for roof replacement and HVAC work. A portable air-conditioning unit will enable the office to stay open during these renovations.
“After a lot of work behind the scenes, we are excited to enter the stage of visible progress in the recovery efforts,” Dr. Jones said. “I want to thank our community for their unwavering support for our schools, teachers, and students as we navigate this tough process together.”
