New school within year of opening

To the naked eye, much remains to be done both in and out of the new Walhalla High on highway 11. But, after a tour this morning, school leaders say they are confident the school will meet next year’s deadline and be ready in time for the 2015-16 year. On their way to a planning meeting this morning at the Devil’s Fork State Park, members of the Oconee School Board toured the high school construction site. And Andy Inabinet, the chairman, was among those impressed. This morning’s tour began with Richard Alexander, director of facilities and maintenance, pointing out the side entrance to the school that will be reserved for students and visitors for night time events. District Two trustee Rosemary Bailes says the entire project looks like it will come in under budget at around $54 million. The new Walhalla High is to cover 260 thousand square feet and is expected to last 50 to 60 years. School leaders project the opening day enrollment will fall between 950 and 1,000 students. Alexander says the new school is designed for 1,300 students. He believes the school will offer many popular features—such as a gymnasium with wraparound seating, an auditorium with seating on two levels, and rooms with views of highway 11 and the mountains. Alexander predicts the first event at the new high school will be a track meet in the spring.