By By Kerry Whipple Bean
publisher
Larger classrooms, wider hallways and a double gym are all in the new Brewton Middle School plans unveiled to parents Tuesday night.
A small group gathered to hear Superintendent Lynn Smith and BMS Principal Doug Prater describe what will be in the new facility, to be located on U.S. 31 North and Old Castleberry Road.
Smith said architects have been working on the plans for about a year, and they should be finalized in four to six weeks. Construction could begin as soon as the fall, with a tentative opening date of the school in fall 2011.
The school will be located on the back southwest corner of the 118-acre property, not visible from U.S. 31, Smith said. The entrance and driveway into the school will be on Old Castleberry Road, but a sign with an electronic message board will likely be near the highway.
The size of the property is an advantage, Smith said.
Among the plans for the new school:
The Alabama Department of Transportation will have to approve plans, but school officials hope for a turn lane from U.S. 31 and Old Castleberry Road, as well as a traffic light at the intersection.
Each grade will have a set of restrooms, doubling the number of stalls the school currently has.
Two gymnasiums will be behind the main building — one meant mainly for physical education classes and one for competition. A weight room and aerobics room are part of that complex.
And all rooms will be accessed from the inside of the building, which Prater said would be safer for children in the case of a storm or other event when everyone needs to be inside.
Smith said the school would accommodate all of the current educational programs, such as Read 180, science and math initiatives and art, music and band, with room for additions.
Brewton City Board of Education President Stephanie Walker said school officials deliberately wanted some options so that the school can adapt to change, particularly in technology.
Parent Jamie Manning said she is glad there is space in the facility for a variety of activities.