Schools build on to reduce class sizes, expand offerings
By Anne Marie Kyzer annemariek@thetruecitizen.com

Construction teacher Jeff Johnson looks over a project with student Tim Smith in the new lab. Staff - Anne Marie Kyzer

Burke County's middle and high schools just got a little bigger.

Building additions at both schools were recently completed, adding much-needed classroom, lab and training spaces.

Seven classrooms and a state-of-the-art construction lab were added at the high school, and the middle school will benefit from 10 new classrooms and a weight room.

Assistant superintendent Wilbert Roberts said the extra space will allow the schools to reduce class sizes and better accommodate specialized programs.

"There was a big push to lower the number of students in the classes," he said. He also noted that the construction lab will allow students to gain more hands-on experience, and the weight room at the middle school aligns with the system's goal of promoting more physical activity.

School officials have said the $4.3 million building project should accommodate population growth over the next several years, including the increase that could result from construction at Plant Vogtle.

New equipment fills the middle school weight room. Staff - Anne Marie Kyzer

Currently, no classes are taught in portable classrooms, and school board members have repeatedly expressed their desire to keep it that way.