JMCSS undergoes physical changes as Vision 2020 moves forward

JACKSON, Tenn. — At least five Jackson-Madison County schools are undergoing demolition projects in preparation for the 2016-2017 school year.

From piping to measuring and metal work, several construction crews could be found Wednesday on campuses across the Hub City.

The changes come as part of the next phase in the heavily disputed Vision 2020 plan.

“We have a lot of moving going on because we are adding equipment, resources and materials from some of our schools that will be closing to some of the new schools,” said Ginger Carver, marketing and PR specialist for the school system.

Projects differ from school to school. At Northeast Middle School, crews work to make more room for portable classrooms. The units are being re-purposed from Jackson Central-Merry High school. JCM is one of the five schools now closed as part of Vision 2020.

Since Tigrett Middle School will become the community Montessori school, students will no longer use the bus system.

The school will see a similar expansion as Pope Elementary to make it easier for traffic congestion, according to Carver.

The former JCM vocational building is converting into an annex for the Early College High program.

On Wednesday, workers on site said they were building pipes to add gas lines and framing for additional restrooms.

Rose Hill Middle will shift from a traditional middle school to a K-8 school.

“Two bathrooms are being added onto the pre-kindergarten rooms. A new playground is going to be installed in the next few weeks,” former Assistant Principal Nathan Lewis said.

Lewis said he will now relocate to work with students in the Early College High program.

Staff said teams have been working in some schools since before the official start of summer break.

The district said construction is scheduled to wrap up by July 18 with some of the work now ahead of schedule.

Carver said she is unaware of any final decisions on the future of the vacant buildings left from the closures, which includes West Middle School.

West Middle had been proposed as an additional building for the sheriff’s department and other emergency agencies.