Work is progressing at the new Menlo Elementary School.  The project began in 2021 after the Chattooga Board of Education cleared the way for the new facility at Chattooga County’s oldest school facility.

The first school was built in the early 1890’s in Menlo.  Some of the buildings at the current school campus have been in use for over 80 years.  The board of education said that it was imperative that a new facility be built to meet modern safety standards.

Ground clearing began in October of last year and a groundbreaking ceremony was held in February of this year.

Chattooga Board of Education Chairman Eddie Elsberry spoke with WZQZ News this week about progress at the construction site.  Elsberry said,  “The front retaining wall is compete, cells poured and drainage aggregate done. The lower level has footers poured, all plumbing/electrical stubbed up, and the entire lower level concrete floor poured, including gym and stage. Upper main level – or what will be ground level if looking from the front – has footers poured and working on plumbing and electrical stubs. Metal window and door frames are on site and the block walls should start going up any day.

Elsberry said that the work is progressing well.  The board chairman added, “I would estimate we are at about 15-20% complete with things starting to speed up now that we have the lower level poured and the compaction complete on back-fill for the main floor.”