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Allstate: New Gadsden K‑8 school is on track; James A. Shanks turnover planned May 29, demolition targeted June 1
Summary
Allstate Construction told the Gadsden County School Board on April 28 that grading, utilities and foundations for the new K‑8 are progressing; the district aims to turn the James A. Shanks campus over May 29, 2026, with demolition and asbestos abatement work planned into early June.
Allstate Construction representatives told the Gadsden County School Board at an April 28 workshop that construction of the district’s new K‑8 school is progressing and remains on schedule.
"As of to date all of the building paths have been constructed... we are on track and the keys should be handed over to them and looking to do demolition on June 1, 2026," said Andrew Wellman, vice president of operations for Allstate, describing site grading, utility installation, the central utility plant work and a sequence of foundations, slab pours and roofing planned through May and June.
Chris Marshall, Allstate’s senior project manager, said the project team is starting storm-water piping and structures and that the first lift of asphalt on the new bus loop (Cleveland Street) will be placed in the coming weeks. He also noted publicly posted photos of recent progress.
Marshall added that asbestos abatement must occur before demolition. "We have the abatement, asbestos abatement that has to occur before the demolition can start," he said, and clarified the abatement work for some areas (including the gymnasium) will begin when those renovation phases are funded and scheduled.
Dr. Sylvia Jackson, who described coordination between the district’s IT, maintenance and academic services staff, said the district’s target date is to turn the James A. Shanks campus over to Allstate and CSI on May 29, 2026. She said 11‑month and 12‑month employees will be relocated and that technology staff have begun moving district equipment not needed for testing.
Allstate said foundations and underground plumbing are in progress in multiple building sections and that the central utility plant slab was due for pouring on April 29. The company directed the board to the district project page for photos and further updates: https://www.gadsdenschools.org/newk8school.
No board votes were taken on the construction update; staff said they will proceed with the agreed demolition and abatement sequencing once funding and required notifications are in place.
