It’s been around since the 1950s and it’s served the community, and particularly youth, very well. Despite all of that, its demise will likely be a welcome one.

 

According to Harrison County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Manchin, the opening phases of the demolition of the old Johnson Elementary School could begin in the next few days. He wasn’t sure as to when the demolition would be completely wrapped up or the work that will follow it.

 

The demolition was one of multiple topics at Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting. At the gathering, the elected board agreed to allow City Construction (the contractor for the new JES) to demolish the building, handle asbestos abatement, create a new 171-space parking area, new lighting, landscaping and excavation at a cost of $839,934.

 

“We’ve let the contact,” Manchin said Wednesday. “I’ve talked to Beau (Henderson of City Construction) and I envision in the next two to three day some things happening.”

 

Manchin was quick to say that doesn’t mean you’re going to see the building coming down in the next few days. Rather, he said equipment will begin to come to the scene and other noticeable changes will take place well ahead of the demolition and removal of the entire structure.

 

“The first thing they have to do is asbestos abatement,” said Manchin. “That’s very important because asbestos is always a major issue as well as hauling it off.”

 

The asbestos is the one major item needing done before the actual walls come crumbling down. In older buildings, not just ones on the educational front, asbestos is often a concern.

 

With those issues needing to be addressed and with school beginning for students next week, the demolition will take place – as well as parts of the follow-up work with parking and green space – during the school calendar year. However, Manchin said it shouldn’t impact the educational process on the Bridgeport campus of schools.

 

“You’ll actually see something like a construction type of curtain envelope most of the work area and you won’t see or hear the demolition work,” said Manchin. “The vast majority of the demolition work will be done after school hours.”

 

The finished product will be done to aesthetically enhance the entire school campus. Manchin also said the layout is being done with consideration for something else.

 

“We there’s been a lot of discussion about that,” said Manchin. “Once it’s done I think it will see how it’s set up to potentially allow for that.”

 

Editor's Note: Although not for the demolition, construction equipment near the old Johnson Elementary School is a sign that its days are numbered. Bottom photo shows Dr. Mark Manchin.