- November 20, 2024
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Flagler Schools’ two major current construction projects are proceeding on or ahead of schedule.
At the School Board’s information workshop on Oct. 14, Plant Services provided updates on both the renovation of the historic county courthouse and the expansion at Matanzas High School.
A lease was signed with the county on Sept. 3. for use of the courthouse building. It should be ready for occupancy on April 1, said Kory Bush, the district’s director of Plant Services. The contractor is expected to start the project in January and finish by the end of March, Bush said.
Matanzas is on schedule for phase 1 and is now ahead of schedule for phase 2, Project Manager Chuck Coates said.
The centerpiece of the project is Building 5, a new 22,000-square-foot, two story building that will house a new construction lab, six new classrooms and a new media center.
While the building is being completed, the school was expected to continue using the original media center in Building 4, which will be converted into additional cafeteria space and another classroom. That was to be phase 2 to start after the media center was moved into the completed Building 5.
But Matanzas Principal Kristin Bozeman and administration was willing to move the media center to temporary cramped quarters so that the Building 4 renovation can begin early, Coates said.
Building 4 will now be completed this month with an opening scheduled for Nov. 5, Coates said.
Phase 1, which also includes a new $6 million central energy plant and a new multipurpose metal building for PE classes and athletics, is expected to be completed in January.
When completed the project will add 366 additional student stations to the high school, Coates said.
Bush presented plans for the three-story courthouse building which will house the Rise Up alternative school, the TRAIL vocational program for young adults with disabilities, the Step Up program for adults with special needs and space for iFlagler Virtual School.
Scheduled renovations include adding two handicap guest parking spots, two to three visitor parking spots, moving the back fence to accommodate the new parking and adding a new fence on the east and west sides of the building.
Inside, a new kitchen, electrical and plumbing and removing two walls is planned for the first floor for adults with disabilities. On the second floor, a wall will be added to separate a large room. The third floor will have a new restroom. Throughout the building, walls will be painted, carpet replaced and proper signage installed.
