Ready for the new THS

By Michael Butler

The wait is almost over. The brand new Tallassee High School will soon be open for students and faculty. It will also be open for the community to see next week.

"We've sent out invitations and plan on having the ribbon cutting on Aug. 2 at 10 a.m.," Tallassee City Schools Superintendent Dr. Brock Nolin said.

The $21 million facility will welcome back the faculty and staff for in-service work starting on Aug. 1. High school students begin a new school year on Aug. 8.

"The community has been talking about a school building for as long as I've lived here... so at least 21 years," said Nolin. "I'm sure folks were discussing the need well before then. The first equipment rolled onto the site where the parking lot was to be built on July 9, 2019."

Masked up during the Covid-era groundbreaking in January of 2021

One of the significant upgrades is a larger auditorium that will hold 644 students. It also has an expanded classroom for music students. A hallway between the band and choir rooms will hold approximately 850 people in the event of inclimate weather, Nolin noted.

Nolin

"One of the largest advantages is the safety of a brick and block structure that is sprinkled (has a fire suppression system). The HVAC and lighting systems are much more cost efficient. Students and teachers will enjoy a safer space for teaching and learning. 

"Much time was taken to secure a good finished product. I've yet to take anyone on a tour and they do not like what they see. I think the building will serve our community as a centerpiece for a long time to come."

The school replaces the former 1929 structure on the campus. The annex building with classrooms has been retained along with the cafeteria and two gymnasiums. 

"I am very excited to see the project come to a conclusion," Nolin added. "I hope the public sees and appreciates the building."

*Photos by Kyle Thornton