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The Andalusia City Schools Board of Education heard a presentation during a November meeting regarding a possible classroom expansion project for Andalusia Elementary School.

While no specific plan is on the table for an AES expansion at the present time, the board is beginning to look at possibilities to fill the need for additional classroom space at the school. Neil Hughes with McKee and Associates Architects presented several possibilities to the board.

Hughes presented two plans, one that would add 14 new classrooms and another adding 12.

“We wanted to bring this to the board and start getting your input on how we should proceed,” Hughes said.

The 14-classroom option would be placed outside of the main loop surrounding the campus and would include additional space for administration as well as a smaller gym area. The project would also provide hardened space to be designated as a tornado shelter, which you currently don’t have on this campus,” Hughes said.

“The thought process was to support what is already there. We’re calculating right now that we could get 1,968 people into the shelter area as it’s configured now,” Hughes said.

The second plan presented involved an addition within the loop on the southside of the campus. The square-footage would be approximately the same as the first plan presented, also including a hardened shelter area and gym.

Superintendent Dr. Daniel Shakespeare said with the space created, the school would have additional space for students as well as administrative space for support personnel, and classrooms for special education teachers and other resource teachers.

“Historically, where we’ve seen increases in enrollment is in Pre-K, kindergarten and first grade. After that, it starts to taper off,” Shakespeare said.

The additional space may also allow the system to move its enrichment Pre-K program, currently held at the Woodson Learning Center, to the elementary school and possibly expand the program.

“Right now, we’re simply trying to determine the direction the board wants to go and from that determine the next steps,” Shakespeare said.

Several board members said it is important to maintain certain green spaces on the campus that students often use for PE and other outside activities.

No action was taken on the matter.

Other items discussed by the board included:

• approving to purchase outfield fencing for the baseball field at Andalusia High School. The board chose to move away from a green screen fencing used in the past, stating it tears and must be replaced every few years at a cost of about $15,000.

Board President Amy Duggar added that she would like the board to consider options for the construction of a press box at the softball field at the conclusion of this school year’s season.

• the board agreed to meet for board training on Dec. 16.
• heard a presentation from Dr. Shakespeare reviewing the system’s 2022-27 strategic plan and goals.