Poplar Bluff, Missouri - The Poplar Bluff Schools will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for its ambitious $50 million buildings plan, four years in the making. Because of the accelerated deadline on a $1 million FEMA grant, construction is set to kick-off at the Junior High where—in addition to a multi-purpose safe room—nine classrooms will be added, along with other renovations for improved safety and security.

Just less than one year ago, voters approved an 80-cent operating levy measure so the school system can expand facilities across campus, impacting grades 1-12, in order to meet the growth of the community. Construction is slated to begin on the anchor projects—the new high school and middle school—as soon as school dismisses for the summer on May 15. The smaller-scale elementary projects will follow, with a completion date on all construction anticipated at the start of the 2016/17 school year.

The groundbreaking was scheduled for March 6th; however due to snow it has been moved to 8:00 a.m. Friday, March 20th.

The ceremony will begin with coffee in the Poplar Bluff Junior High cafeteria, 550 N. Westwood Blvd. The official groundbreaking will follow at 8:30 a.m. in the parking lot at the northwest corner behind the facility. Public parking will be out front.

The Poplar Bluff R-I Public School District is comprised of approximately 5,300 students, 400 professional staff and 300 support staff, and has an operational budget in excess of $45 million. Our goal, in partnership with parents and community, is to educate all students to their potential, and to inspire them to be lifelong learners who possess the skills and knowledge necessary to be productive members in our changing world.

Submitted by Tim Krakowiak, Communications and Marketing Coordinator for Poplar Bluff Public Schools.