The construction tape is up at Bryceville Elementary School as workers build six new classrooms as part of a $1.2 million construction project that is currently in phase one. BES is the first school to receive upgrades following the Nassau County School Board’s approval of the annual Capital Improvements Plan in December. According to BES Principal Misty Lott, the new classrooms should be completed by the start of the 2007-2008 school year. Also, slated for renovation is the school’s cafeteria and kitchen area which currently holds 300 students, but will soon accommodate 400 plus students. Building 1 will also be renovated and the old media center will be remodeled once a new media center is constructed. “We’re thrilled over the opportunity to have new classrooms. Once the kids move from the portables to the new classrooms they will feel more cohesive,” said Lott. “I’m looking forward to giving the kids, parents, and the community the professional school they deserve.” Lott said it has been a pleasure to work with the Nassau County School Board’s Maintenance Department on the project. “They have really made the bidding process and finding a contractor easy,” Lott explained. According to Cris McConnell, facilities director for the Nassau County School Board, officials are currently in the process of advertising for architectural services. “Hopefully we will have an architect by March and if so construction will begin in October on the other projects,” McConnell said. In total, the Capital Improvements Plan budgets $8.6 million for construction of classrooms and support facilities at schools throughout Nassau County. Fifty-five new classrooms will be constructed. On the westside of Nassau County, Callahan Middle School will have 10 new classrooms for sixth through eighth graders, Callahan Elementary School will get four new classrooms, Callahan Intermediate School will have six new classrooms, Hilliard Elementary School will add 9 primary classrooms for students kindergarten up to fifth grade. At the high schools, West Nassau will add one skills lab and one ROTC classroom. Other projects include expansion of PE facilities and the renovation of Buildings 3, 4 and 5 at Hilliard Middle-Senior High School, a cafeteria expansion at Callahan Middle School, as well as, a multi-purpose room, stage and other related spaces in the cafetorium. Also, Buildings 1, 2, 5, and 8 at Callahan Elementary School will be renovated. While announcing the upcoming construction projects of area schools to Bryceville citizens recently, School Board Member Jim Adams said, “They say we’re small out here and maybe a little slow, but just remember Nassau County has one of the highest graduation rates in our area.”