Construction of New North Springs High School in Sandy Springs Faces Delays

Extra care in cost-cutting measures causes a four to six-week setback in the construction of the highly anticipated North Springs High School in Sandy Springs, Georgia.

The construction of the new North Springs High School in Sandy Springs, Georgia, is facing delays of four to six weeks, according to officials from Fulton County Schools. The setbacks are attributed to the extra care taken in cost-cutting measures to ensure the project remains within budget. The news was shared during a community meeting held at Spalding Drive Elementary, where residents expressed their concerns and sought updates on the progress of the new high school.

Community Engagement and Concerns

During the community meeting, School Board members Michelle Morancie and Katie Gregory hosted the event and fielded questions from the crowd of nearly 50 attendees. The residents expressed their gratitude for the progress made on the project and voiced their opposition to the implementation of the Middle College program at the new high school. Concerns were raised about the branding of the program and its potential impact on student enrollment. Many community members echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need for alternative paths to high school graduation to be rebranded to attract prospective students.

Construction Updates and Design Aesthetics

COO Noel Maloof provided residents with an update on the building project, including the current status of the design, cost management, and upcoming milestones. He assured the community that the Roswell Road entrance to the school will remain open, despite traffic study requirements from surrounding cities. Renderings of the new high school, showcasing its “sophisticated industrial” aesthetics, were presented during the meeting. Maloof also highlighted the increase in construction costs, which have risen by 40% since the initial estimate in the 2027 Capital Plan project. The latest estimate for the new building stands at $108 million, excluding potential increases in materials and labor costs.

Funding Challenges and Enrollment Projections

While the construction project is funded by the county’s Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, inflation and supply chain issues have put a strain on the budget. Maloof addressed concerns about the capacity of the new high school, stating that the full-time equivalent student count is set at 1,500 for funding purposes. However, enrollments are projected to be between 1,100 and 1,200 over the next five to seven years, ensuring ample space for students. This reassurance alleviated concerns from the community about potential overcrowding issues.

Construction Timeline and Preparation

Residents inquired about the construction timeline for the project, prompting Maloof to explain the team’s efforts in mitigating cost escalation without compromising quality or design specifications. A site package for construction preparation, including demolition and site preparation, was advertised in January. The Fulton County School Board will review submissions for approval in April or May. Construction preparation at North Springs High School is expected to begin in July, slightly later than anticipated but with potential cost savings. The building package for the construction of the new high school is scheduled to go out for bid in the fall, with students expected to return to classes at the new facility in August 2027.

Conclusion:

The construction of the new North Springs High School in Sandy Springs, Georgia, is experiencing delays due to the meticulous cost-cutting measures implemented to keep the project within budget. Despite the setbacks, community members expressed their support for the progress made and voiced concerns about the implementation of the Middle College program. COO Noel Maloof provided updates on the construction timeline, design aesthetics, and funding challenges, reassuring residents about the capacity of the new high school. With construction preparation set to begin in July, the community eagerly awaits the completion of the highly anticipated North Springs High School in August 2027.