The big move is under way from the old Church Street building to the new middle school. (See
photo blog)
Continental Office Equipment, of Columbus, has been working since Monday to get thousands of boxes from
Bowling Green’s junior high to it new middle school across town. The last loads – which should bring the
total truckloads to 27 – are expected to be made today.
Boxes, however, will sit in the new school’s classrooms and offices until the school district gets its
occupancy permit from the county. The school’s fire suppression system, which has been tested throughout
the week, also needs to be operational before occupancy is granted.
Principal Joe Zabowski hopes teachers will be able to get into the building on Aug. 7 or 10 to begin
unpacking. Training sessions on how to use the building’s technology are planned for teachers and staff
on Aug. 12.
The first day of classes is Aug. 18.
The two-story academic wings, which stretch east toward Fairview Avenue, are "for all intent and
purposes done," according to Zabowski. However, the industrial technology as well as family and
consumer sciences classrooms, which are located in the wing that links the new building to the high
school, may not be ready to use when classes start, he said. Changes in the fire suppression system in
those classes have delayed completion.
The auditorium isn’t expected to be done until October or later.
Zabowski also pointed out enrollment has jumped this fall. So far, an estimated 20 new students have
enrolled in the seventh grade, bringing enrollment to 270, "and they’re still coming in," he
said.
Eighth-grade enrollment for the fall is projected at 210.
The building can handle about 300 students per grade level.
An open house is scheduled for Aug. 30, which will give parents and community members an opportunity to
tour the facilities. Concerts to celebrate the opening of the auditorium are planned for later this
fall.
Also, seat sponsorships are still available for the auditorium, at $200 per chair. Donors may contact the
Central Administration office for more information.
 
Workers with Continental Office Enviroment move filing cabinets from the third floor to the second floor
of the old junior high school. Workers have been spending this week moving into the new school located
next to the senior high school. 7/28/09 (Photos: J.D. Pooley/Sentinel-Tribune)