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Gadsden superintendent says $110M K–8 construction begins Jan. 5; delegation raises attendance concerns
Summary
Superintendent Key told the delegation a $110 million K–8 school project is scheduled to begin demolition and construction in January 2026 with an 18‑month build timeline; legislators and the superintendent also discussed chronic absenteeism and plans to expand CTE and partnerships to improve attendance.
Superintendent Key told the delegation the board approved a guaranteed maximum price and demolition has started for a new K–8 school financed with $110,000,000 in state funding; construction is scheduled to begin Jan. 5, 2026, and the district estimates an 18‑month timeline for completion.
The superintendent said the district lacks a sufficient local tax base to fund such projects without state support and thanked legislators for their assistance. He added the district is coordinating student moves (for example shifting approximately 400 students currently at Shanks) so the new building can open on schedule.
Legislators used the opportunity to raise chronic absenteeism as a policy concern. Senator Simon noted that Gadsden County’s absenteeism rate places it high on state lists for students missing 10 or more days, and said the delegation and district are exploring career and technical education expansions and partnerships with Tallahassee State College to increase student engagement.
Superintendent Key and lawmakers agreed on the need for local efforts to improve attendance—both through family engagement and reviewing school disciplinary practices that count suspensions as absences.
