KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – The construction plans for a new and remodeled Keystone Heights Elementary were shared with the community recently during an open house meeting. The meeting was held at the Keystone Beach Pavilion and it allowed residents to ask questions regarding the project.

“It’s a unique project. I’ve been involved with most of the renovations and improvements over the years to the campus,” said Paul Stressing, the architect for the project. “So, it’s nice to see a concentrated effort on doing an overall appreciation of a master plan for the campus to give the district a road map to future development.”

Stressing told the school board during its July 11 meeting the current elementary is outdated and overcrowded.

The master plan for the school consists of two phases. In the first phase, construction will focus on improving the drainage, staff parking, parent drop-off area and relocating the kitchen service drive. In addition, the school will build a new cafetorium, convert the old cafeteria into a media center and convert the previous media center into six classrooms with a testing center. And a new playground and covered play court will be built. In fact, the cafeteria was build for 275 students and the school had 865 last year.

The second phase consists of knocking down two older buildings that are 65 years old. Construction for the first phase has begun and the anticipated date of completion is December 2023.

The completion of the project will give the school a one-way entrance and more cameras to provide better security for its students.

“It makes it safer for our students,” said Tina Bullock, who represents District 4, which includes Keystone Heights, on the school board. It also will give the students state of the art classrooms, a larger cafetorium that can accommodate 1,200 people and the removal of portables, which will be replaced by permanent classrooms that are hurricane compliant.

Also, a new Gary Cooper Monument will be constructed to preserve the memory of a student who was killed during the Vietnam War.

“Myself and my company are going to donate our services to do something that is going to properly represent this young man’s efforts,” Stressing said.

The project has taken years to come to fruition. Mayor Karen Lake has approached the Board of County Commission to implore for their support.

“I’ve been advocating for the Keystone schools. It’s overdue,” Bullock said.

As of now, the community is anticipating the completion of Phase 1 to move into Phase 2 and complete the entire project.

For more information, contact Bullock at (352) 494-3454.