BAINBRIDGE, Ga. (WTXL)-- Jones-Wheat Elementary students are getting ready for a new building.
"This facility is no doubt one of the finest in the state of Georgia," said Principal Larry Clark.
After about 14 months of work, construction on the school's new building is wrapping up this week. It will include several new safety and technology features, including new computers, a tablet lab and even SMART boards that can connect to cell phones.
"Our goal is to get them to compete with students throughout the world, and not just the states of Florida and Georgia, but the world," said Principal Clark.
"They're moving more to a digital society, and so we're trying to move with them," said Decatur County Schools Superintendent Fred Rayfield, who says the original building was built in 1953.
The almost $12.5 million project includes new safety features that allow Principal Clark to be in constant communication with teachers, monitor video from more than 50 security cameras and even lock the doors or gates with the push of a button.
"When the parents entrust them with us, it's up to us to provide the safest environment possible," said Superintendent Rayfield. "We're really the most excited to see the smiles on their faces when they get to come into a new building."
Students and faculty will move into their new classrooms on Thursday.
