A Marion architectural firm is awaiting approval of its preliminary plan to construct a new elementary school in Mounds.
A toxic black mold was discovered in Meridian Elementary School more than a year ago. The building has been condemned. Baysinger Architects of Marion is waiting for the school board to approve its design plans for the new school. Project architect Andrew Kelly says the new building will include proper ventilation that the old school did not have. It will also be built as an addition to the existing Meridian High School
Kelly says the new school should be constructed in time for the 2016-2017 school year. Currently, the construction team is installing temporary learning centers that will serve as classrooms for students until their work is completed. The project's total cost is $8.5 million and includes both the construction of the new building and demolition of the old structure. The new school will provide classrooms for prekindergarten through second grade students.