Inside a Bibb County school’s renovation after 2-year construction. ‘Everything is so shiny’

Summer is coming to an end, and on Monday, the Springdale Elementary School Eagles will be soaring into a newly renovated building for their first day of school.

The original school at 4965 Northside Drive was built half a century ago, demolished this summer and replaced with a modernized, 90,410-square-foot building containing more resources for enhanced student learning.

Cami Hamlin, who said she is honored to be the school’s first principal to serve in both the new and old facilities, is enthusiastic about the redesign and how it will benefit the students.

“I think a wow-factor for the kids would be the classrooms in general because (there’s) a lot of natural lighting,” she said. “It’s a lot different than buildings that were built 53 years ago, which were a little more darker inside,” Hamlin said.

The new building allows state-of-the-art equipment and a modern learning environment that is equitable to other district facilities, Sam Kitchens, Bibb County School District assistant superintendent of operations, told The Telegraph in May.

The new school also features a state-of-the-art kitchen, smart boards for the classrooms, and green spaces, Hamlin added.

But simple things like flooring can also influence student learning, Hamlin said.

“We have carpet now. We’ve never had carpet in our building before,” she said. “That is a gamechanger because now kids can sit on the floor if they want, feel comfortable and learn.”

Hamlin said she expects the returning students to be most excited about the new school’s vibrant, inviting spaces, such as its playground, gym and media center.

Valerie Walton, a former Springdale parent volunteer, said the new building looks welcoming and will give students more breathing room.

While Hamlin described the nearly 30-acre site as “all new” and “so shiny,” she said that the most crucial aspect of Springdale is the people who attend it.

“We loved the original Springdale. We thought it was beautiful and gorgeous, but I think what always makes the school special is the children, the staff and families. I think that aspect of Springdale won’t be different,” she said.

Walton said the old Springdale was a special place for the community, but she is confident that the new campus will continue to be a family-oriented environment where parents’ voices are heard and students’ well-being is prioritized.

“We’re excited about the new building for them,” Walton said. “They deserve it.”

Both Hamlin and Walton said one of their favorite parts of the old campus were the massive, colorful murals, which Hamlin said will be restored over time.

Springdale Elementary’s makeover took 14 months to complete. Its refurbishment was supported through Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST) funds, which Hamlin said she was grateful for.

“It’s so many people, seen and unseen, who helped out with the building — from the pipe layers to the plumbers and electricians. It’s amazing, and I’m just so thankful for the community.” she said.

The new campus will have the capacity for 900 students.