Jan. 20, 2023 – The construction of the new Rutledge H. Pearson Elementary School recently reached a new milestone.
The building’s structure is in place and a roof now lies on top of the new school facility.
It’s a point of progress in the construction industry that usually calls for celebration, and that’s exactly what the district did. A special BBQ luncheon was presented to construction crews earlier this month.
“It’s a chance to bring the crew together and have a meal and to thank everybody for the effort to date,” said Paul Soares, Assistant Superintendent of Operations.
In addition to showing appreciation, Soares said they hoped the acknowledgement of this moment would help everyone stay inspired as they moved toward the finish line. The new school is scheduled to open next school year, August 2023.
Rutledge Pearson is the first new school built through the district’s half-penny sales tax. The rebuild will result in the consolidation of three elementary schools: Henry F. Kite, Martin Luther King Jr., and the original Rutledge H. Pearson.
It will have a capacity for more than 900 students and is anticipated to focus on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM).
While Rutledge is the first new school construction, it is not the last. In total, there will be 28 new school buildings constructed through the funding.
To learn more about how the district is using revenue from its half-penny sales tax, visit www.duvalschools.org/projectupdates.
