After a delay at the beginning of the new school year, students are finally getting settled into a fully reconstructed Westmont Elementary.
Westmont’s completion was delayed due to the effects of Tropical Storm Debby, and students instead met for classes at the Columbia County Performing Arts Center. This temporary setup continued until Aug. 19, when the new Westmont school was ready to welcome everyone in.
Ushering in a New Era
A ribbon-cutting for the new facility on Thursday afternoon drew in a large crowd eager to celebrate the finished product.
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Westmont has deep roots in the community, the original school having just reached its 50-year anniversary before being torn down for reconstruction. With so much history, it’s no surprise that students, parents and teachers came out to show their appreciation at the milestone ribbon cutting, which marks the continuation of the school’s legacy.
Parent Perspectives
Many in attendance on Thursday were loyal Westmont families whose children had to attend different schools – including Brookwood, Evans, Lewiston or Martinez Elementary schools – when Westmont began its reconstruction in 2023.
One mother, Kristen Duvall, said that the initial transition into other schools took some adjusting.
“At first it was challenging just because we’re used to Westmont. Westmont is home, so moving into a new school with more than one child was a little hard,” she said. “It was good, once we got used to it.”
“We are very happy to be back!” she added.
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Duvall’s daughter Kaley said her favorite thing about the new building is her art class, which is now in a much bigger classroom.
Kaley isn’t the only one impressed by the size of the building. Another parent, Elizabeth Cashmen, also took note of its generous proportions.
“It’s nice, it’s spacious.” said Cashmen. “Compared to where we were at before…we have a lot of space to move around, you’re not bumping into people.”
According to Columbia County School District Superintendent Dr. Steven Flynt, the school now has the capacity to hold upwards of 900 students, which is double the size of the original school.
Principal Angela Young said that students are now enjoying “the latest technology,” and that the school features a new voice enhancement system which is used to call the classrooms and make announcements.
She also said that the students seem to have adjusted well to their new environment, making connections with friends and teachers.
”Normally that takes a little while, to establish that culture within a school,” she said.
Next on the docket for renovations in the school district is North Columbia Elementary School, which Superintendent Flynt says will open next school year.
