Clay K-8 Cafeteria Nearing Completion

The renovations to Clay County K-8 School’s Cafeteria nearing completion, even with students and staff eating around the construction to start the school year.

School Board Chair Benji Bailey said the project is on schedule. Bailey said they would have liked to have the project done before school resumed.

“As with any project a building that is over 40 years old there will be unexpected things that have occurred,” Bailey said. “But we’ve been able to address all those as we’ve gone along and still stay within budget and on time so we are thankful for that.”

The cafeteria had not been updated since the building was built in the 70’s. Bailey said so far everyone has adjusted to the circumstances.

“This is something we have kind of had to face over the last couple of years with all the projects that we have had going on,” Bailey said. “Students they have adapted pretty well. Obviously, there is dust and there’s a construction site, so it’s something that you have to monitor and keep as clean as possible, especially in the kitchen area.”

Bailey said once the project is complete it will have an improved cafeteria experience. Bailey said the start of the school year has not drastically slowed the progress of the project.

“It will be fully functional with up-to-date equipment,” Bailey said. “It will give us more space to serve our children as well. It will be a lot easier hopefully and more efficient for our staff, so we are looking forward to that.”

Bailey said the K-8 school in Celina is the largest populated school in the school system. Bailey said the additional space created was needed.