Will new Westmont Elementary be ready for students next week?

EVANS, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - When students come to Westmont Elementary next week in Columbia County, they’ll be in a brand-new school.

But work seems to be going down to the wire to finish it in time.

For now, construction crews are still working on last-minute projects.

The open house was moved from this week to Sunday – the day before class starts at the school on Oakley Pirkle Road.

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Some parents say their kids are going through a lot of anxiety with the school not quite being ready yet.

“He’s going into fourth grade. So, he’s excited for fourth grade. He is excited to go to Westmont because it’s a brand-new school. But we drove by it yesterday. And he said, ‘Mom, it doesn’t look ready.’ It’s not ready. So, yeah, he’s pretty stressed too. I’m just trying to ease that anxiety for him,” said Kaitlyn McGinnis.

For students like McGinnis’ son, it’s not just the first day of fourth grade. It’s his first day of school in a new state.

They moved here almost two weeks ago and thought open house would give them a little time to adjust.

But McGinnis says as the school remains a construction zone, plans have changed.

“We wanted to settle in, get ready for school, just kind of have a nice, relaxing night. But now, the night before school starts, we’re going to be at an open house. He’s going to just meet his teacher. It’s all very rushed. And it doesn’t feel very planned out. And he’s got to make new friends,” said McGinnis.

But others say they’re in favor of the weekend open house because it works better for their schedule.

Jennifer Mills says if weren’t for the construction, she wouldn’t be able to be there.

“My initial reaction was like, ‘Yay’, because I have to work Thursday. And I don’t have to get out early for that. And church activities are over at three on Sunday. So, it worked out perfectly for us,” said Mills.

Mills says even though her son won’t have his schedule memorized, she has full faith in the school system.

“I know that they’re gonna have their stuff together. They’re going to take really good care of him. But I mean, still, as a mom, you’re going to be a little bit nervous, especially when your kids are in elementary school, and they’re going to be riding the bus and stuff. So there’s a little bit of anxiety there,” said Mills.

McGinnis says her son won’t be the only new kid on the block.

“He is he’s a little nervous. He did say he’s excited. It’s a new school because he’s not going to be the only new kid. Everyone’s going to be a new kid at that school. So, he’s a little encouraged by that. But he is nervous to start,” she said.

This isn’t the first time construction of a new school has continued until the last minute.

In the Richmond County School System, the new Belair Middle School won’t quite be ready yet, so students will start the year at Langford Middle School.

And last year in Aiken County, uncertainty loomed over Highland Springs Middle School students as construction continued until nearly the last minute.

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