MANCHESTER AND Coffee County are robust and thriving communities with a population that has been steadily growing for years. That population increase is reflected in the school system. Recently, schools have seen a high boost in enrollment, said principal of College Street Elementary Tom Jacobs. Because of that increase, building projects were started at both College Street Elementary and Westwood Middle School.
“We’ve got to try to be able to meet the needs of [the] students,” Jacobs said. “So that means the need for more classrooms.”
Last school year, College Street Elementary moved into an entirely new building with six additional classrooms, as well as a new kitchen and food prep area. The cafeteria has also been recently remodeled. “Westwood Middle School is also currently expanding,” said Jacobs, “with four new classrooms planned.”
“The number of students that we’re serving is growing considerably,” Jacobs said. “Growth just in our community, here [in] Manchester.”
College Street had nearly one hundred Kindergarten students last school year and nearly one hundred this year, with 550 total enrolled. That is 50 students more than the previous school year.
The increased enrollment in schools is a symptom of growth across Coffee County. Jacobs said that there are a lot of families moving into the district, which has prompted construction across Manchester.
“We’re just trying to meet the need and be prepared,” Jacobs said. “That’s going to bleed over into… all facets of the community.”
That growth will also cause challenges, as traffic during pickup and drop-off times increases and schedules get more complicated. After-school programs are also expanding, in response. Jacobs said that Manchester has also been impacted by the teacher shortage but not nearly as much as it has been seen nationally or in larger communities nearby.
“With more students, comes more responsibility, more challenges,” Jacobs said. “To see our school and our district grow though, we’re excited about that.” Jacobs said the community and school board saw the need for more space and took action to fix it, and College Street Elementary has already filled all of its new classrooms.
“We’re appreciative that our school board has supported our new building project, as well as our community,” Jacobs said. “We’re pleased with what we have.” GN
