The Columbia County School Board joined teachers and administrators at North Columbia Elementary in welcoming parents to its new building, Tuesday evening, for the school’s dedication ceremony.
“This will end the process of two brand new schools in two years, and we’re just extremely excited,” said Superintendent Steven Flynt. “Westmont opened last year, North Columbia this year. They’re absolutely beautiful, and the students, staff and what happens in the school will be absolutely amazing this year and many years to come.”
Students who had been going to Euchee Creek and North Harlem Elementary Schools alongside those at North Columbia had their first day at the new two-story school building on Aug. 4, but Tuesday parents were given the opportunity to tour the new campus, which includes new equipment, a courtyard and playground.
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“Our faculty and staff and our students are so resilient,” said school Principal Tonya Gambrell. “They have come in and they have been open to new practices and procedures. They’ve had to go upstairs and downstairs and navigate new things. But anything we put in front of our kids, they meet the challenge. We just have to trust them, and they’re ready to do it.”
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The recently completed school neighbors the former, one-story building on Ray Owens Road, originally built in the 1950’s.
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter covering business for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
