The public this week was updated on the ongoing Magnolia Public School District construction projects as Superintendent John Ward issued his monthly report to the local board of education.
In his brief remarks Monday evening, the school system head said the ninth grade academy building at the southwestern corridor of Magnolia High School’s campus is now likely on track to be move-in ready after the fall 2019 school semester.
“We know its not going to be when school starts [next year],” said Ward. “Our planning and our conversations right now have been that the ninth-graders would move in at Christmas.”
The superintendent said he held meetings with construction officials last week where dates were discussed. He and the school board also noted that moving into the building could easily be tackled over the two-week holiday break, since the building will feature all new furnishings and only books and small belongings would need to be transferred.
The academy will move Magnolia ninth-graders from their traditional home at Magnolia Junior High School to the high school. The foundation for the new building is already underway.
“The slab is being poured, and they’re just working their way around,” said Ward. “They’ll try to pour more footings this week and hopefully more of the slab next week.
Construction is also ongoing at the northern end of MHS’ campus. The section will in the future be home to a performing arts center. At the project, dirt work is underway, but going slowly, according to Ward.
Central Elementary School is also seeing construction work progress. There, a portion of the slab at the campus’ new support space has already been poured, with more on the way next week.
Also in his report, MHS will host the state 4A basketball from Feb. 27 to Mar. 2 and the 4A South Regional softball and baseball tournaments May 2-4.