There have been a number of highlights for Jimmy Harris, who is retiring as Madison County Mayor, but the groundbreaking for a new Pope Elementary School on Ashport Road, Monday, rates near the top.
“This is probably, absolutely one of the top three highlights of 15 years of being in this office,” Harris said, “That is … breaking ground on Pope School. When Pope School (1071 Old Humboldt Road) was built, what, 70 years ago, there was nothing out here … but I firmly believe this school will change the trajectory of our school system.
“I promise you, it will pay dividends for many, many years to come.”
Henson Construction Services Inc. of Jackson will be the lead contractor on the 143,000 square foot facility, which will be located near Pleasant Plains Road.
Construction is scheduled to begin this fall with a completion date targeted for late 2025 with classes beginning in the 2026-2027 school year.
The total cost of the facility – fees, equipment, furnishings – is approximately $48 million.
Dr. Marlon King, superintendent of Jackson-Madison County Schools recognized the efforts of the Jackson-Madison County School Board and Madison County Commission.
“This celebration is a shared trust, between school leaders and county officials,” Dr. King said, “Today, we celebrate progress. The Pope School project was part of a campaign we launched in the fall of 2020.
“Now, it has become a reality.”
Continuing, Dr. King said, “We just showed Tennessee and West Tennessee that we can unify around one common goal and do what is best for our community – and I am excited about it.
“I would like to single out the efforts of our county mayor, Jimmy Harris … you are a big reason we are standing here today, on this spot of land, because of your leadership.”
(PHOTO: Groundbreaking for new Pope Elementary School on Ashport Road)
