Gerald Adams Administrators Break Ground, Ajax Ready To Begin The New Build

STOCK ISLAND, Fla. – Gerald Adams Elementary School students, staff and faculty broke ground Monday to get ready to start a new build. Ajax Building Corporation and Harvard Jolly Architects are working with the District to improve the learning space at Gerald Adams.

The groundbreaking included invited guests like former principal, Mrs. Sandy Highsmith, School Board Member, Mindy Conn, Vice Chairman, Bobby Highsmith, Chairman, John Dick, and Mayor Craig Cates.

Gerald Adams is one of three schools in the District currently slated to have work done. The elementary school joins Plantation Key School and Stanley Switlik in the process of upgrading and renovating the student learning facilities.

Principal of Gerald Adams Elementary for the last 15 years, Dr. Anne “Frannie” Herrin said the new build will enhance the learning opportunities for the students. “Our school, though rich with awesome memories, is in dire need of renovation. The new school will provide access to technology and a collaborative learning environment for all.”

Dr. Herrin said she knows this new facility will continue to cater to the students and the community. “Gerald Adams has always taken pride in our ability to serve our students and families beyond just the academic arena.  The new building will provide enhanced learning opportunities for students, benefit in our community, and above all represent the core values of our school by maintaining the strong sense of family that has made GAE great.”

Superintendent Mark Porter addressed the crowd of students, faculty, and staff at the groundbreaking and expressed his belief that the school and its community was ready to move forward. “It will be a phenomenally different school. It will be a school that I think the community, every staff member, and every student will be extremely proud of. As Mr. Sheer noted, it will not be an easy couple of years, as we continue to live and operate in the existing building while we construct a new one; but I believe everyone understands that it would be well worth the wait,” Mr. Porter said.

Ajax is building the new 98,000 square foot facility right behind the existing school, which will be torn down at the end of construction. A new parking lot and green space will take its place.

When complete in July 2019, Gerald Adams will have a full service cafeteria that serves as a multipurpose auditorium with a stage, state of the art classrooms with smart boards and art/music centers. Outside play areas include new basketball courts, play sets and a ball field.

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