Thunderstorms Hit Laurens as School District Updates on Construction and Safety Measures

Thunderstorms and School Updates: What’s Happening in Laurens?

Good day from Laurens! We’ve had quite a mix of weather this morning, with thunderstorms raining on our parade, and more cloudy skies and significant rainfall expected throughout the afternoon. With temperatures reaching a warm 73°F, the humidity is definitely in the air. If you’re stepping out, be prepared for some pretty heavy rain—forecasts indicate we could see about 1 to 2 inches of rain today alone. As evening rolls in, the winds will pick up from the east-northeast, shifting from a gentle breeze of 5 to 10 mph to more gusts around 10 to 20 mph, and even stronger overnight. We’re anticipating a total of 3 to 5 inches of rainfall by tomorrow. With a 100% chance of rain, it seems to be the perfect day to curl up indoors!

LCSD55 Construction Progress

In other news, the Laurens County School District 55 (LCSD55) held a meeting on Monday evening, updating community members on the exciting construction work happening at our local schools. Dr. Rhett Harris, the Assistant Superintendent, reported that the new wing at Sanders Middle School is really coming along! They’re planning to finish the foundation by the end of this month, and from there, construction is expected to pick up speed. “We’re looking at a May completion date, with hopes for occupancy in the next school year,” Dr. Harris shared with enthusiasm. This new addition will feature three classrooms, a larger science lab, a resource room, and additional storage areas. It’s nice to see our community investing in education!

At Laurens District High School, progress is also underway with their roofing project. “All pods are done and they are trimming around the edges. I’m pleased with how they look and have received lots of positive comments,” Dr. Harris noted. This isn’t just about aesthetics either; a good roof means better protection for our students and faculty!

Enhancing Safety Measures

Another key topic during the meeting was safety. In light of recent events, including a shooting in neighboring Georgia, Superintendent Dr. Jody Penland has been in touch with police and safety officials to ensure our schools are well-prepared and secure. “We take every potential threat seriously and collaborate closely with local authorities,” he explained, thanking the community’s law enforcement for their support. The district has applied for a state safety grant amounting to $1.5 million that, if received in November, could roll out some much-needed upgrades.

Plans to enhance safety features include renovating the entrance to Gray Court-Owings for better security, adding ADA-accessible ramps, and implementing intercom upgrades. Additionally, safety gates at Hickory Tavern Elementary, Sanders Middle School, and at Laurens Preparatory Academy are also in the works. There is even a plan to revamp the camera systems at Laurens High School to ensure comprehensive coverage, which hasn’t been fully updated since the 1990s!

Many of these upgrades come from a recent site assessment, which highlighted the district’s need for more ADA compliance, proper sidewalks, crosswalks, fire safety, and roofing improvements. It’s clear that everyone’s working hard to create a safer, more secure environment for our kids!

Final Thoughts

As we wrap up, it’s heartening to see tangible changes in our schools and communities. Whether it’s dealing with the weather or enhancing our educational facilities, it’s a reminder that we’re all in this together. Let’s stay safe during today’s storms and look forward to a bright future for our kids as their schools evolve and improve.