PINE BLUFF, Ark. — Renderings are finally turning into reality in Pine Bluff after the school district broke ground on its new high school on Wednesday.
The project has been in the making for a while, but officials explained how it has been worth the wait.
With the turn of a shovel, Pine Bluff School District students are getting closer to having a brand-new high school.
"We envision a high school that not only prepares students for college and careers but also nurtures their social, and emotional well-being with the state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge technology, a storm shelter, modern classrooms, a state-of-the-art arena," said Jennifer Barbaree, the Pine Bluff School District Superintendent.
Barbaree explained that it's a big upgrade from the current building.
"The fancy features are just a whole career technical wing. The Media Center is going to be even bigger and better than the one we have. It's also gonna be all glass [with] walls that go out to the outside where the courtyard is," she added.
Barbaree and Mayor Shirley Washington agree that better facilities will help set students up for success.
"I commend the vision and the dedication of everyone who has worked tirelessly to bring us to this moment," Mayor Washington said.
It took more than the school district to make this happen. The community played a big part by supporting a millage increase.
"On behalf of the campaign committee, I would like to thank the citizens who came to vote during the campaign, during the early voting, and on the day of," said Erika Evans, Millage Campaign Chairperson.
"This project would not be possible without the millage. The millage is what's funding the project. We do have about $12.8 million of partnership money that is going towards the project, but there's no way we would have a Pine Bluff High School without the vote of the community," Barbaree added.
During construction, students will be relocating to Jack Robey Junior High.
District leaders expect the new school to be move-in ready for the 2026-2027 school year.