Amanda Pevey
Elmore Autauga News
Construction and renovation projects across Elmore County Public Schools continue to move forward, with several facilities nearing completion and others making steady progress despite recent weather delays.
According to Superintendent Richard Dennis, work is advancing on the former Wetumpka High School, which is being renovated to become the new EDGE facility.
“The old Wetumpka High School, which is going to be the new EDGE facility that they are moving into, they are probably expecting to get into that location sometime at the end of next month, hopefully,” Dennis said.
At Wetumpka Elementary School, work on the front entrance is ongoing, though the timeline remains dependent on changing conditions.
“The front entrance of Wetumpka Elementary School, I really do not expect for it to be completed until March unless something changes,” Dennis said.
Several cafeteria projects are either complete or nearing completion. The cafeterias at the Eclectic schools are largely finished, featuring updated appearances and new furnishings.
“The cafeterias at the Eclectic schools are pretty much done at this point. They all have a new facelift at each school, and some still have furniture coming in,” Dennis noted.
Wetumpka High School’s cafeteria renovation is also complete, including a new kitchen addition. Additional furniture is expected to arrive later this spring.
At Wetumpka Elementary School, interior work continues to progress. Sheetrock has been hung and mudded, insulation has been installed, and brick masons have begun laying brick. Weather conditions caused some delays this week due to rain and temperature. Casework has been delivered, and bathroom fixtures in the renovated section have been installed.
The ECTC Diesel Shop renovation is nearing the final inspection phase. Ceiling tiles have been installed, and furniture has been assembled and put in place. An above-ceiling inspection was conducted on January 8, which the project passed with a punch list. The inspector opted to conduct the Substantial Completion Inspection for both campuses at the same time, and officials are currently working to reschedule that inspection.
Expansion at the Eclectic Child Development Center is well underway. Footers have been poured, foundation blocks laid, and plumbers are scheduled to be onsite this week to rough in plumbing. Weather permitting, concrete is expected to be poured this week. Drainage installation is complete, and site work for the parking lot has begun. The project will add an office, four new classrooms to the center and will open next year.
Renovations at the WCD and the former Wetumpka High School continue to move toward completion. EDGE bathrooms will be finished once partitions and ceiling tiles are installed. The ADA ramp and stairs have been constructed, and completion will follow the installation of handrails. Sidewalk concrete at the front of the building has been poured, and flooring repairs have been completed. Painters and flooring contractors are scheduled to finish their work during the last week of January.
In the WCD bathrooms, demolition has been completed and construction is ongoing. Plumbers have been installing the plumbing onsite.
The Wetumpka High School kitchen expansion and remodel have officially reached substantial completion. The serving area and kitchen are fully operational, and the substantial completion inspection was conducted on January 14, which the contractor passed successfully.
Despite occasional weather-related delays, district officials report that projects are progressing steadily and remain focused on delivering updated, functional facilities for students and staff across the county.
