PELL CITY — Officials say things are on track to get the new Elouise and Harold Williams Intermediate School open on time.“It is amazing the difference one week can make,” said Michael Barber, assistant superintendent for the Pell City School System.
Officials say a fire broke out in the attic of the new school on the morning of July 17. An initial damage estimate to the school is $50,000-$60,000, but could be more. The fire apparently was started when sparks from a torch used by one worker caught the insulation inside the attic on fire. No one was injured in the incident.
“I can’t say enough good things about our contractors and our suppliers,” Barber said. “They worked around the clock to get the school fixed. Looking at it now, you couldn’t tell that anything had happened.”
Barber said there are still a few minor details to attend to, including replacing some of the baseboards and tiles, and cleaning up a couple of water stains.
“It was a partnership,” he said. “Everyone understood the urgency of getting the building in shape for school to start, and everyone worked together to get it done. We are back on track, and everyone is really excited.”
Debbie Grimm, sixth grade special education teacher at Elouise and Harold Williams Intermediate School, said it was her first day at the new school.
“I absolutely love it,” she said. “I am so excited and can’t wait for school to start. It is wonderful to be in a new school.”
Amy Martin, sixth grade history teacher at the school, said she is glad to have the opportunity to teach in the new facility.
“I have never taught in a new school before,” she said. “Right now, I am working to get the classroom set up, and unpacking — lots of unpacking.”
Holly Costello, principal at Elouise and Harold Williams Intermediate School, said Thursday was the first day the teachers were able to get in the new school to begin getting their classrooms ready.
“The cafeteria is back together,” she said. “It is amazing what a difference one week can make.”
Costello said she is very excited to have the new school.
“It is a little overwhelming, but that is balanced out by the excitement of having a new school,” she said. “I am ready for school to start.”
Registration for Elouise and Harold Williams Intermediate School is from 9 a.m.-noon, and from 1-3 p.m. on Monday, July 28.
The dedication and open house is from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 3.
The first day for teachers is Monday, Aug. 4, and the first day of school for students is Thursday, Aug. 7.
