New PCHS opening delayed

PHIL CAMPBELL – Students and faculty at Phil Campbell High School will have to wait a little while longer before they are finally able to attend school at the new PCHS.

According to Franklin County Schools Superintendent Gary Williams, the best case scenario was to have the school ready for occupation the day after Labor Day, but Williams said there were still a few things that had to be completed before that could happen.

“The main thing is the parking lot,” Williams said.

“We didn’t want to send the students back to school without the parking lot being completed, mainly because that would pose some safety concerns if students were having to park across the street or on the other side of campus.”

Williams said if the weather permits, they are hoping to finish the school’s parking lot this week.

“Besides the parking lot, we have some phone and technology installations that need to take place, but other than that, we are just about ready for the students and faculty to begin enjoying their new school.”

Williams said he knows the delays are disappointing, but in reality, crews are still months ahead of schedule.

“The contract date for the school to be completed is actually Feb. 15, 2015, so we are still doing good being able to get in the school by September,” he said.

Williams said if weather permits and the parking lot is completed this week, the new PCHS could be ready by Monday.

“That’s what we’re hoping for, but we’ll see if the weather cooperates,” he said.

Williams said students would be informed later this week if the school will actually be ready to open on Monday and they would be given any instructions needed at that time.