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- $44 million will bring major upgrades to Griffin Middle School.
- Students will receive a new cafeteria, new gymnasium, new classes, and some technology updates.
- Watch this video to see how we are improving the quality of education and transforming the Frenchtown neighborhood.
Broadcast transcript:
A long-awaited upgrade is finally coming to Griffin Middle School. Find out what changes students can expect and why they’re so important to the Frenchtown neighborhood.
Leveling the playing field has been a long-standing goal for Leon County Schools, and administrators said $44 million for Griffin Middle School students will accomplish just that.
“We can’t even get all the students into the cafeteria,” said Edward Shula, a teacher who has worked at the school for 27 years.
Shula said the funding will build a new cafeteria, a new gym and several new classrooms, removing barriers to student success.
“It’s about reducing obstacles to what we can and will do in the future,” Shula said.
Some of these barriers included not all students having access to Wi-Fi. That will change with this renovation.
“Having access allows you to stay online and be on equal footing with other students and compete,” Shula said.
Griffin Middle School Principal Zelena Obanor said this $44 million investment will change the atmosphere here.
“Kids want to go to school and teachers want to go to work,” Obanor said, “helping students succeed.” “When things are good, kids do well.”
Taran Jefferson, a school counselor here, said these technology upgrades would also help retain local talent.
“I think we’re going to bring some kids back home,” Jefferson said.
Jefferson said the new development will also help remove the stigma of the 32304 ZIP code.
“I think people are going to have a more positive outlook because where we’re sitting, the outlook is a little bit negative,” Jefferson said.
Leon County Schools Superintendent Rocky Hanna said the construction is part of his role to invest resources in Title 1 schools.
“That facility looks just like it did in the 1960s and 1970s. And those kids deserve better treatment, and they’re getting it now,” Hannah said. Told.
Hanna said the project will add a total of more than $184 million in investments in schools across Leon County.
“These children deserve the same quality of facilities as students in our schools,” Hanna said.
The project is funded by funds set aside by the district for large-scale projects and a half-cent sales tax.
Eighth-grader Yancey Aurelas said she is excited about the new building and the exterior, which matches the work being done inside.
“The extra passers will blow it away,” Aurelas said.
Seventh-grader Tancy Aurelas said getting the new equipment meant a lot to her.
“This school is serious about helping kids succeed in life and learn,” Mr. Aurelas said.
We help make the idea of a level playing field a reality.
“This reinvestment in the school creates school pride,” Shula said.
Griffin Middle School announced that the affected building will be demolished during spring break. Construction will begin once students begin their summer vacation.
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