Jackson-Madison Co. maintenance crews work overtime to ready schools for students

JACKSON, Tenn. — With only the weekend standing in between students and the start of another school year, maintenance crews are working overtime to make sure schools are ready for staff, students and support staff.

One project at a time, maintenance crews have been putting the finishing touches on schools across Jackson and Madison County.

“As soon as the kids were out and we were able to have access to the schools that when all the small projects and the large projects really kicked off,” JMCSS Director of Maintenance and Operations Allen Powell.

This summer a new roof was placed on North Side High School and Pope Elementary. Driveways at Pope were also expanded and resurfaced to accommodate the increase of students this school year. Maintenance crews plan to work all weekend to have the portables here at Northeast Middle School ready just in time for classes on Monday.

“So we’re super excited that our portables are going to be ready before we even expected it to,” Northeast Middle School Principal  Dr. Teresa Tritt said.

“It’s been quite a challenge but one of the things I’ve told these guys I’ve be proud,” Powell said. “They really came together and did what was necessary to make these things happen. They are the definitely the unsung heroes.”

The nonstop work crews have put into school’s this summer is appreciated by the staff.

“We are just super excited that everyone would come together to work around the clock and to make sure that everyone can be in the right places at the very beginning of school,” Dr. Tritt said.

As of Friday, all improvements are on schedule to be completed for schools to open with a half-day of classes on Monday August 1.