FLORENCE — The Florence-Carlton School District celebrated a day three years in the making on Monday by breaking ground on a new building.
The community of Florence – as well as some Lolo residents -- passed a $15.9 million bond in 2017 to fund the project.
“This will be the start of our building project for a new cafeteria/multi-purpose building, K-5 elementary building, and some improvements to the remainder of the school,” outgoing Florence Schools Superintendent Bud Scully explained.
The project will not only replace the current elementary school building that was erected in 1972, it also will bring several elements into one central location -- including a stage, art room, nurse’s station, and kitchen.
Incoming superintendent Brian Rayburn said he finds comfort in coming into a community that supports the school district.
“It tells me that the community cares about the future of the community, the students that are here, but also the students that will be coming,” he told MTN News.
“It takes a lot for a community to put the money out there to fund this sort of building. The end product is something that will last, and that the community will be proud of.”
Scully said he’s proud to see the work that has been put in to make it all possible, and that he’s excited to reach this step before his tenure is complete.
“It’s going to be done, it’s going to be beautiful, it’s going to last for generations to come, and it’s here for all the kids,” said Scully, who will become superintendent of the Thompson Falls School District on July 1.
If all goes as planned, the new building will be ready for use by January 2022.
