By RANDY TATANO
Special to Atmore News
It might be summer vacation for students and teachers, but for Escambia Schools Deputy of Operations Shaun Goolsby, it’s the chance to make major renovations.
The remodeling of A.C. Moore Elementary is one of the many major projects he’s tackling this summer. When students attend in August, they’ll think they entered a brand new school. Renovations inside and out include fresh paint, new lighting, new flooring, new cabinets, and a new roof on one wing. Kids will also find updated curriculum and new supplies. Everything is top of the line.
Goolsby says it’s a major upgrade for a school that really needed it.
“This is huge for citizens of Atmore and surrounding areas, as this will provide a great learning environment and preparedness for these kids before they get to a kindergarten classroom,” he said.
Doing all this in a short time frame would normally be a challenge, but now it’s even more so with material shortages as contactors are faced with supply chain issues.
Superintendent Michele McClung is particularly excited about the upcoming pre-K program [First Class] at the school, which will not only give kids quality education but help with the family budget during skyrocketing inflation.
“Being able to offer pre-K to over 100 four-year-olds allows us an opportunity to give these students a head start with both literacy and numeracy. Additionally, our pre-K program will save parents the extraordinary monthly cost of daycare at a time when gas and groceries are at an all-time high.”
In addition, parents can feel confident their little ones are in good hands.
“Our teachers are certified and specialize in early childhood education ensuring a high-quality educational opportunity,” she said.
McClung encourages interested parents residing in Escambia County to enroll their child now as spots are quickly filling up. The next lottery pull of students will occur July 19 and there are only 70 spots available.
Brewton resident Randy Tatano is a veteran TV news reporter and network producer, and is currently a novelist and freelance writer for the Escambia County School System.