Opening of New Sardis Middle School Delayed

While Construction on the new Sardis Middle School is almost complete, school officials have decided to delay its opening until the  2015-16 school year begins in August.

Officials say The delay will save between $400,000 and $500,000, it is expected to ease the transition by combining three schools over the summer break instead of interrupting the school year.

The new school will absorb the sixth grades from Whitesboro and Carlisle elementary schools and the sixth, seventh and eighth grades from Sardis High School..

Chris Royal, now assistant principal at Sardis High, will be principal at Sardis Middle.

Construction was scheduled to be complete by Christmas and the plan was to move over the holiday break. However, there were a few changes that delayed the completion by about a month.

The contractor told the school system’s construction manager, Joe Maddox, that work will be finished by the end of January. However, Maddox said the school is getting all new furniture and technology updates must be completed.

Superintendent Alan Cosby recommended waiting until August to open the school.