CREEKBEND ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE DEDICATION: July 27, 2022
What an exciting day as HCSD hosted a dedication and ribbon cutting for the new Creekbend Elementary & Middle School! District leaders, school administrators, teachers, and guests gathered in one of the gyms for the special ceremony, then took a tour of the large building.
Creekbend is the last major project funded by the district’s $55 million bond issue that was passed in 2018. The bond also funded the new West Harrison Middle School, the expansion of North Gulfport into a K-8 school, and security upgrades across the district. The Creekbend campus is located on Highway 15 in D'Iberville. The school is state-of-the-art with updated safety features, technology upgrades, and designed for future expansion.
Creekbend teachers enjoyed seeing the school for the very first time. Construction crews are still finishing up the project. We can’t wait to welcome our students to the new school on August 4!
HCSD would like to send a huge thank you to all the voters who supported the bond issue and those who have worked so hard to make this day possible! Go Eagles!
Watch the WLOX story here: https://www.wlox.com/2022/07/27/new-harrison-county-school-opens-time-school-year/?fbclid=IwAR3GCuMvjZe53vo6QiifvxF3KdL5V-lStuorbxngmyzmoxn-KIx7
Watch the WXXV story here: Harrison County School District holds ribbon cutting ceremony for new school building - WXXV News 25 (wxxv25.com)
CREEKBEND ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE UPDATE: June 29, 2022
You can see a lot of progress on the new Creekbend Elementary & Middle School. The project is roughly 90-percent complete. The elementary gym and classrooms are ready for students and teachers.
Kitchen equipment is currently being installed. Asphalt paving is scheduled to start on July 6. The furniture is expected to arrive the week of July 11, and the canopies will be complete by July 11.
The Creekbend campus is located on Highway 15, right next to the D’Iberville Sports Complex. The school colors are garnet and gold, and the mascot is the Eagle.
The K-8 school is the last major project funded by the 2018 HCSD Bond Issue. Thank you to all the voters for supporting our students and their education!
Watch the WLOX story here: Creekbend Elementary & Middle School nearly complete (wlox.com)
CREEKBEND ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE UPDATE: March 1, 2022
Campus colors (garnet and gold) are bright and bold at the new Creekbend Elementary & Middle School.
CREEKBEND ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE UPDATE: January 27, 2022
Construction on the new Creekbend Elementary & Middle School is about 70% complete. The project is on schedule and the school should be ready to open in August of 2022.
Here is a breakdown of the work that is taking place right now and will continue over the next several months:
- Concrete slabs are complete
- Concrete block walls are 90% complete
- Brickwork is 80% complete
- Windows are 60% complete
- Roofing is 85% complete
- HVAC work is 70% complete
- Painting is 35% complete
- Electrical work is 65% complete
- Bathroom walls and floor tiles are 50% complete
Big thanks to all the voters who supported the 2018 HCSD Bond Issue so the school could be built to accommodate so much growth in the district! Creekbend is going up on Highway 15, near the D'Iberville Sports Complex.
Watch the WLOX story here: Harrison County’s latest school on schedule to keep up with population growth (wlox.com)
CREEKBEND ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE UPDATE: September 9, 2021
Construction on the new Creekbend Elementary & Middle School has hit the halfway mark. Work is moving along on the new 136,000 square-foot-campus that is going up on Highway 15, close to the D’Iberville Sports Complex.
“We are very excited! I think this is going to be a great addition to the Harrison County School District and also, the community. With the amount of housing going up, it’s desperately needed. I think it’s going to be a great addition to it. There’s a lot of activity, brick going up, masonry going up, roofing going up in place. Also, if you go inside, you’ll see there’s a lot of work going on with the electrical, HVAC, all kind of plumbing, painting has started. So, we’re moving along really quick,” said Harrison County School District Architect Marty Hardy.
HCSD would like to thanks to all the voters who supported the 2018 HCSD Bond Issue so plans for this new K-8 school could move forward! Creekbend is scheduled to open in August of 2022.
Watch the WXXV story here: Construction update on new Harrison County schools - WXXV News 25 (wxxv25.com)
CREEKBEND ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE UPDATE: September 7, 2021
Check out the progress on the new Creekbend Elementary & Middle School construction project!
The block walls are almost done on the building. Only the middle school gym and locker rooms are left to be completed. The roofing phase has started over the classrooms and cafeteria. Brickwork has begun on the back of the building and should soon progress towards the front.
The Creekbend campus is located at 16121 Highway 15 in D'Iberville. The new school is slated to open in August of 2022.
Administration building
Cafetorium & Stage
Elementary Classroom Wing
WEST HARRISON MIDDLE SCHOOL DEDICATION: September 1, 2021
HARRISON COUNTY, MS - It was an exciting day for the Harrison County School District and a great day to be a West Harrison Middle School Hurricane!
On September 1, 2021, HCSD administrators, directors, school board members, and special guests gathered for the dedication of the new WHMS. After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the guests enjoyed a tour of the nearly 103,000 square foot building. The school staff proudly showed off the school’s unique and state-of-the-art features, and the guests expressed their amazement at the beautiful campus!
HCSD would like to thank everyone who played a role in turning the project into reality, especially all the voters who supported the 2018 HCSD Bond Issue. The new school will help ease overcrowding at several schools in HCSD and will be able to accommodate growth in the coming years. WHMS will welcome 700 seventh and eighth graders to their new home this week.
WEST HARRISON MIDDLE SCHOOL OPENING POSTPONED: July 31, 2021
HARRISON COUNTY – Excitement is building as students, administrators, teachers, and staff are getting ready for the opening of the new West Harrison Middle School! Due to unforeseen circumstances, construction on the new school was not completed in time for the first day of school on August 6, 2021. The project faced various construction issues, including the pandemic, Hurricane Zeta, supply delays, minimum staff, and frequent rainfall.
All 650 WHMS students started the 2021-22 school year using the virtual learning mode. The distance learning situation is only temporary, and students will be able to return to the campus when the district receives the certificate of occupancy.
On August 3 and 4, HCSD Technology Department, Central Office staff, and district directors pitched in to distribute laptops to all WHMS students. The distribution of devices was held at the Harrison County Alternative School. Meantime, WHMS teachers and administrators held back-to-school planning sessions and training at the Harrison County Center for Excellence on Community Road.
Watch the WLOX story here: Harrison County school going virtual for first day (wlox.com)
Watch the WXXV story here: Opening of West Harrison Middle School delayed- WXXV 25
When school started on August 6, WHMS administrators and teachers were able to occupy the East Wing of the building to conduct virtual classes. On August 17th, HCSD announced that WHMS would open on September 2nd for 7th graders, and September 3rd for 8th graders. Both grades will report for in-person learning on September 7th, after the Labor Day Holiday.
With opening day just weeks away, the teachers and staff expressed their excitement as they prepared to welcome the Hurricanes to their new home.
Watch the WXXV story here: Opening dates for West Harrison Middle School announced - WXXV News 25 (wxxv25.com)
Background on West Harrison Middle School Construction: Groundbreaking at West Harrison Middle School | Wharton Smith, Inc.
DEDICATION OF NORTH GULFPORT ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE SCHOOL: July 27, 2021
It was another exciting day in the Harrison County School District! On July 27, 2021, HCSD hosted a ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony to celebrate the completion of the expansion and renovation of North Gulfport Elementary & Middle School.
The $8.3 million project transformed North Gulfport Middle into a K-8 school. It was part of the HCSD Bond Issue that received overwhelming support in 2018. The additions include new kindergarten classrooms, gymnasium, main entrance, administrative offices, and restrooms. Among the most unique features are the desks that allow students to write on them with dry-erase markers, then easily wipe them off.
HCSD would like to thank all the voters, school leaders, and other community supporters who helped make this project a reality. We can’t wait to welcome our students on August 5, 2021!
Watch the WLOX story here: Harrison County School District completes North Gulfport school expansion (wlox.com)
Watch the WXXV story here: Dedication ceremony for North Gulfport Elementary and Middle School (wxxv25.com)
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NORTH GULFPORT ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATE: June 29, 2021
The renovation and expansion of North Gulfport Elementary & Middle School is now complete. The new school will be opening on August 5, 2021. Our thanks to all the voters who supported the 2018 HCSD Bond Issue so this project could become a reality.
Watch the WLOX story here: Harrison County School District expanding as fall semester approaches (wlox.com)
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WEST HARRISON MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATE: June 29, 2021
Construction of the new West Harrison Middle School is coming along nicely despite delays caused by a lot of rainfall and shortages of certain building materials. The new school is slated to open on August 5, 2021. This project is possible, thanks to voters who supported the 2018 Bond Issue.
Watch the WLOX story here: Harrison County School District expanding as fall semester approaches (wlox.com)
NORTH GULFPORT ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATE: June 23, 2021
Brand, new cafeteria furniture arrived at the newly-expanded and renovated North Gulfport Elementary & Middle School today! The age-appropriate furniture was set up in the former 7th Grade cafeteria for our elementary students to enjoy their meals. The 8th Grade cafeteria also received new furniture last year. We can’t wait for our students and staff to see the beautiful new additions!
Watch the WXXV Story here: New cafeteria furniture has arrived at North Gulfport Elementary and Middle School - WXXV News 25 (wxxv25.com)
WEST HARRISON MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATE: May 6, 2021
Most of the brickwork is complete on the exterior of the building. Inside, sound panels are going up in the band hall. The sound panels were designed by an acoustic engineer. Crews have started installing the wood flooring in the gymnasium. The next step is sanding, then painting the floors.
The new West Harrison Middle School is located at 21411 Landon Road. The campus is slated to open in August of 2021.
CREEKBEND ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATE: May 5, 2021
Construction on the new Creekbend Elementary & Middle School is coming along. All the concrete slabs have been poured. The steel for the elementary gym is in the final stages of being welded into place. When crews complete the job there, they will move on to the elementary classrooms.
The Creekbend campus is located on Highway 15. The new school is scheduled to open in August of 2022.
NORTH GULFPORT ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATE: May 4, 2021
Crews are finishing up the gymnasium. They are cleaning, touching up the paint, and getting ready for the final inspection. After some weather delays in April, crews are back at work installing the canopies, sidewalks, asphalt, and grass.
CREEKBEND ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATE: February 22, 2021
Construction on the new Creekbend Elementary & Middle School on Highway 15 in D'Iberville is moving along nicely.
SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION BOND UPDATE: January 13, 2021
Despite disruptions from COVID-19, hurricanes, and other weather issues, construction is still moving along on three major bond issue projects in the Harrison County School District. You can see a lot of progress at all three campuses over the last six months. The school additions and improvements are part of $55 million bond issue that voters approved in November of 2018.
“North Gulfport is about 88-percent complete right now,” said project architect, Marty Hardy. “West Harrison Middle School is about 65-percent complete. Creekbend Elementary & Middle School is about 15-20-percent. Our goal is to make sure the projects are on schedule and to keep them going nonstop. We want it done as quickly as possible.”
Harrison County School District Superintendent Roy Gill said COVID-19 has had an impact on the construction. He said certain materials were delayed due to the pandemic, but construction is still on track.
“Some of the issues has been some of the beams and all that we have been waiting on, so it has delayed some of the building somewhat,” said Gill.
Here is a breakdown of each project:
• NORTH GULFPORT EXPANSION & RENOVATIONS: The North Gulfport Middle School campus is transforming from a 7th and 8th grade school to a K-8 school. The main entrance and administration area are complete. The new restrooms are also complete. Crews are putting finishing touches on the kindergarten building. The new gym should be ready by March. The last phase of the project will be paving the drives and parking areas.
• WEST HARRISON MIDDLE SCHOOL: Crews are finishing up the brick walls on the outside, and the concrete block walls on the inside and outside of the building are complete. Work has started on the roofing of the gym, cafeteria, band hall, and east classroom wings. The scheduled completion date for the new WHMS is July of 2021. The campus is located at 21411 Landon Road.
• CREEKBEND ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE SCHOOL: Crews are pouring the concrete slab and they have started laying concrete block walls in the elementary gym and south classroom wing. The campus is located at 16121 Highway 15 and it looks quite different since the groundbreaking ceremony was held there in August of 2020. The new school is expected to be ready by May of 2022.
You can hear from HCSD Superintendent Roy Gill, project architect Marty Hardy, and watch the construction progress in this WLOX story: Harrison County School District’s bond project continues despite COVID-19 (wlox.com)
You can follow the progress of all HCSD 2018 bond issue projects here: BOND ISSUE UPDATES - Harrison County School District
WEST HARRISON MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATE: October 2, 2020
The gym entrance is starting to take shape and work on the cafetorium stage is underway. The new school is projected to open in August of 2021.
WEST HARRISON MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATE: September 10, 2020
More construction progress in HCSD! Check out these latest photos of the new West Harrison Middle School project! The dirt finally dried out to safely set the crane in place to hoist the trusses on the new gym, and the baseball and softball fields are taking shape.
CREEKBEND ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE SCHOOL GROUNDBREAKING: August 26, 2020
Click here for details and video of the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Creekbend Elementary & Middle School:
http://www.harrison.k12.ms.us/school_district_news/whats_happening/groundbreaking_ceremony_for_new_creekbend_school
WEST HARRISON MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATE: July 1, 2020
- The CMU block is going up on the west classroom wing and the administration area. The exterior walls are almost complete and the interior walls are going up.
- The CMU block walls are up and temporary braces on the gymnasium. The large trusses to support the gym roof are on site. Once they are placed and secured, the temporary braces on the walls can be removed.
- The slab for the east classroom wing has been poured. It was the last large slab pour for this school.
NORTH GULFPORT K-8 SCHOOL PROGRESS: July 1, 2020
- North Gulfport campus is full of pallets containing roofing supplies, concrete blocks and bricks.
- Work is progressing on the new main entrance/administrative addition. The roof is being installed and waterproofing is almost complete. Work has started on the drop off canopy and you can really see the shape of the addition now.
- A piece of one of the many brick and metal fences has been completed between the classroom wings. These will be installed around the campus to increase security, safety and curb appeal.
- Masonry work is continuing on the kindergarten addition. Exterior walls are almost done and the contractor is quickly completing the interior walls as well.
- Two of the restroom additions are almost complete and a new bus drop-off canopy has been installed. Guard rails have been added to protect students from traffic. The bathroom additions and portion of the bus drop off will be ready by fall of 2020.
- The gym slab is complete! It will be ready for the masonry as they move off the kindergarten addition.
WEST HARRISON MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRESS: June 1, 2020
More walls are going up on the West Harrison Middle School campus. This month, crews are focusing on the second classroom wing. All classroom slabs should be poured by the end of June. The trusses for the gymnasium will go up in July. While there were delays caused by weather and in obtaining certain materials due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the new school is still projected to open in August of 2021. The campus is located at 21411 Landon Road, Gulfport.
EASTSIDE SCHOOL NAMED CREEKBEND ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE SCHOOL: May 20, 2020
During its meeting in May, the Harrison County School Board unanimously approved the new name for the new K-8 school on the east side of the county. The school will be called "Creekbend Elementary and Middle School". Lead Architect, Marty Hardy, suggested the name to the board based on his fond childhood memories of the area.
"I grew up about three miles from the new school site on Lickskillet Road. During the summers, me and a few of my friends would go to Tuxachanie Creek to a large sandbar in a bend in the creek, behind Watts Grocery. I have a lot of great memories that were created on this sandbar and doing flips off the rope swing is something that you never forget, no matter how old you get. The sandbar is still there today and enjoyed by many. Thus, 'Creekbend' Elementary & Middle School," said Hardy.
The 40-acre property is located on Highway 15, just north of the D'Iberville Sportsplex. All bids are out for the project, and all permits have been granted. Due to delays in obtaining federal permits, the project's completion date has been moved to August of 2022. Although Creekbend's opening date has been pushed back, Hardy says the other two construction projects in the 2018 HCSD Bond Issue, West Harrison Middle School and North Gulfport K-8 School, should meet their target completion date. Creekbend is located at 16121 Highway 15, Biloxi, 39532.
- Read the Gazebo Gazette story on the Creekbend project: https://thegazebogazette.com/2020/05/harrison-county-schools-adopt-name-for-new-school/
NORTH GULFPORT K-8 SCHOOL PROGRESS: May 20, 2020
Five of the seven new restrooms on the North Gulfport Middle School campus should be ready by the time school starts this August. The renovations and additions at the North Gulfport K-8 School is also experiencing delays due to manufacturing shutdowns during the pandemic, but the work is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2020. Along with seven new restrooms, the project includes a new kindergarten wing, a new gymnasium, new entrance, and administrative offices.
HARRISON CENTRAL HIGH SECURITY ENTRANCE UPDATE: May 20, 2020
NORTH GULFPORT K-8 SCHOOL EXPANSION & RENOVATION UNDERWAY: February 17, 2020
(HARRISON COUNTY, MS) You may have noticed a lot of construction going on lately at North Gulfport Middle School. That’s because the expansion and renovation of the North Gulfport campus is officially underway.
Starks Construction was awarded the bid for this $7.3 million project to turn North Gulfport into a K-8 school. This month, crews are busy building five sets of restrooms and installing utilities.
They have also been working on the in-ground plumbing, walls, and foundation. The project also includes a new gym, new entrance facade, and administrative offices. This project is scheduled to be complete by summer of 2021.
The North Gulfport additions are part of the HCSD Bond Issue that was passed in 2018. Our thanks to the voters for their overwhelming support of the bond. Stay tuned for more updates at North Gulfport and other bond projects!
Phase one includes building nine new restrooms at the field house, ICT, and main building. Crews are also building a new front entrance and administrative offices.
You can watch the WXXV News story here: https://www.wxxv25.com/2020/02/17/north-gulfport-middle-school-expansion-project-update/
You can watch the WLOX News story here: https://www.wlox.com/2020/02/18/million-expansion-project-underway-north-gulfport-middle-school/
HARRISON CENTRAL HIGH SECURITY ENTRANCE UPDATE: January 10, 2020
Another HCSD Bond Issue Project is taking shape. Work is about 65-percent complete on the new security entrance gate at Harrison Central High School. The project includes a guard station, brick walls, underground drainage, and road work.
Samuel Day Contracting won the bid to construct the entrance gate. Our thanks to all the voters who supported the bond. This project is part of our efforts to enhance security at HCHS and ten other campuses in the Harrison County School District.
DISTRICT-WIDE SECURITY DOOR UPGRATES COMPLETED: December 18, 2019
- D’Iberville Middle School
- Lizana Elementary
- North Woolmarket Elementary & Middle
- Orange Grove Elementary
- Pineville Elementary
- River Oaks Elementary
- Saucier Elementary
- Three Rivers Elementary
- West Wortham Elementary & Middle
WEST HARRISON MIDDLE SCHOOL GROUNDBREAKING: November 6, 2019
(HARRISON COUNTY, MS) Clear, sunny skies and backhoes provided a beautiful backdrop for a groundbreaking ceremony for the new West Harrison Middle School. On November 6, 2019, Harrison County School District leaders, elected officials, and other special guests gathered to celebrate the start of construction on the new school. The groundbreaking was held exactly a year after voters overwhelmingly approved a $55 million bond issue for various projects to accommodate growth and upgrade security in the District.
“The voters of Harrison County spoke loud and clear of the need for the expansion. Our county is growing by leaps and bounds. We must thank the voters in the Harrison County School District for supporting the bond issue to make this possible to fund the new West Harrison Middle School,” said HCSD Superintendent Roy Gill.
According to Harrison County Supervisor Angel Kibler-Middleton, over 2,000 new homes have been approved for the unincorporated areas of Harrison County over the last few years.
The new middle school will be located on 21411 Landon Road. The property is just north of West Harrison High School. The new school will help relieve overcrowding at North Gulfport Middle School and West Wortham Middle School. All 7th and 8th graders who are zoned to attend West Harrison High School will be attending the new West Harrison Middle School.
“As they come together as 7th graders, they will build that community, that family unit, knowing 'I will be a Hurricane as I enter high school,'” said Gill.
The new school will be about 102,786 square feet in size. It will have 48 classrooms, practice fields for football, baseball and softball, a band hall, Smartboards in every classroom, and the latest security features.
“It’s a very large building. We tried to incorporate a lot of new technology, new state-of-the-art band hall with sound panels, new gymnasium that can accommodate two practices going on at any time, to help with the number of kids they are going to have in the facility,” said Project Architect Marty Hardy.
“We also designed it so it can be easily expandable for the future, which is vital. I feel it’s going to be of great use,” said Hardy. “We tried to think about everything in the community. We tried to make sure they progress, they have places to go, they have safe places to be,” said Hardy.
Classes are scheduled to begin at West Harrison Middle School in August of 2021. The estimated initial enrollment is 750 students, and the campus has enough space for future expansion.
“As we continue to grow, our district will have to continue to grow. I’m just pleased to have the support of everyone here,” said Gill. “With no further ado, it’s time to get to work!”
The new West Harrison Middle School will cost just over $26 million.
- Watch the WLOX News story on the WHMS groundbreaking here: https://www.wlox.com/2019/11/06/harrison-county-school-district-celebrates-groundbreaking-west-harrison-middle-school/?fbclid=IwAR0uZ38jA67nAFeDruG01poPo_ls1MTmAthK6g2SxJJtdBlS85NlU0NnvZw
- Watch the WXXV News story on the WHMS groundbreaking here: https://www.wxxv25.com/2019/11/06/groundbreaking-new-west-harrison-middle-school/
HCSD INSTALLING ADDITIONAL SECURITY MEASURES: July 25, 2019
(HARRISON COUNTY) The Harrison County School District is taking extra measures this year to enhance the safety and security of our students and staff. Starting in the 2019-20 school year, HCSD is implementing a new screening system for every person who visits our schools, including central office.
The Visitors Hall Pass Management System was recently installed on all 22 campuses in HCSD. Visitors must now show a valid ID, and the information is scanned and checked. The ID is also scanned against the national sex offender databases and School Restricted Vicitors List. Visitors who are cleared will receive a badge that expires after a certain time. The staff is being trained on how to use this new system.
Along with the Hall Pass, work is underway this summer to upgrade the security entrances at ten of HCSD schools. Five projects have already been completed, while the rest are either under construction or in the final design stages. The entrance improvements were part of the 2018 HCSD Bond Issue that voters passed on November 6, 2018.
For the fourth straight year, administrators, directors, and instructional literacy coaches in the Harrison County School District are undergoing CRASE safety training to prepare for the new school year. CRASE stands for “Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events”.
Four years ago, Harrison County School District was the first district in Mississippi to hold CRASE training for educators. This type of training is now a state requirement for schools across the state. The topics included human trafficking in schools, school threat assessment, bomb threats, social media awareness, and gangs in Mississippi schools.
These programs send an important message: Safety is always first in HCSD!
You can watch the WLOX story here: https://www.wlox.com/2019/07/25/harrison-county-schools-get-even-more-serious-about-security/?fbclid=IwAR3sX-2wD5avrHK51GuwdmLEkCcZCaUh6TSwOJSxtfAHBdyTkY900fI53aE
You can watch the WXXV story here: https://www.wxxv25.com/2019/07/25/new-school-security-enhancements/?fbclid=IwAR3wthP_1LrnQtVfNYWLo5ldb3Vyw7xSl2fZl6AssxrNt9D5Pcacg-cWM-s
HCSD 2018 BOND ISSUE PROJECT UPDATES: July 15, 2019
New Middle School on West Side:
- Schematic design has been finalized
- Bid has been awarded for grubbing/land clearing; Work is underway
New K-8 School on East Side:
- We just received watershed approval
- All government permits have either been approved or applied for
North Gulfport Middle School Expansion & Renovations:
- Finishing up schematic design; bids will be opened September 12
Entrance Security Upgrades:
- Over half of security doors have been installed. Completed projects: Three Rivers Elementary, Orange Grove Elementary, Lizana Elementary, Pineville Elementary, Saucier Elementary
- Work is underway on safer entrances at North Woolmarket Elementary & Middle School and West Wortham Elementary & Middle School
- Supplies have been ordered and work will soon begin on security doors at River Oaks Elementary
- Designs have been finalized on new wall & security doors at D’Iberville Middle School
- Schematic design for security gate at Harrison Central High has been finalized and the next step is awarding the construction bid Monday night
- Watch the WLOX story on entrance security upgrades here:
https://www.wlox.com/2019/07/25/harrison-county-schools-get-even-more-serious-about-security/?fbclid=IwAR3sX-2wD5avrHK51GuwdmLEkCcZCaUh6TSwOJSxtfAHBdyTkY900fI53aE
- Watch the WXXV story on entrance security upgrades here:
https://www.wxxv25.com/2019/07/25/new-school-security-enhancements/?fbclid=IwAR3wthP_1LrnQtVfNYWLo5ldb3Vyw7xSl2fZl6AssxrNt9D5Pcacg-cWM-s
All projects in the 2018 bond issue are scheduled to be completed by August of 2021.
2018 BOND ISSUE PROJECT UPDATES: April 5, 2019
(HARRISON COUNTY, MS) On Monday, the Harrison County School Board received an update on projects outlined in the Harrison County School Bond Issue. Those projects include a new K-8 school, a new middle school, renovations and expansion at North Gulfport Middle School, and security upgrades of entrances.
New K-8 School on the East Side: The District has purchased more than 40-acres of property on Highway 15, just north of the D’Iberville Sportsplex to build a new K-8 school. The District is now moving forward with the permitting process.
New Middle School on the West Side: The District initially planned to build a new middle school on 16th section land, just south of West Harrison High School. After soil testing, it was determined that the soil would not provide a solid foundation for the project. It would cost up to $750,000 for the site prep. The District has decided to move the location to the northeast side of the 16th section land. The property is about 33 acres. The permitting process is also underway.
- Read the Gazebo Gazette story on WHMS bond project update: https://thegazebogazette.com/2019/03/county-school-board-updated-on-west-harrison-project/
North Gulfport Middle School Renovations: Topographic work and soil testing are complete. Schematic design drawings have also been completed. Once the design development drawings are completed in June, the District will request approval from the Harrison County School Board to advertise for bids.
District-wide Entrance Security Upgrades:
- D’Iberville Middle School: Fencing work is complete; will add magnetic security doors
- Lizana Elementary: Will add magnetic security doors
- North Woolmarket Elementary & Middle: Will add new entrance door and magnetic security doors
- Orange Grove Elementary: Will add magnetic security doors
- Pineville Elementary: Will add magnetic security doors
- River Oaks Elementary: In the planning phase
- Saucier Elementary: Will add magnetic security doors
- Three Rivers Elementary: Will add new entrance door to the office and magnetic security doors
- West Wortham Elementary & Middle: Will add new entrance door and magnetic security doors
- Harrison Central High: Will add new entry drive gates and security station
These following schools have already received, or will receive, security upgrades as part of ongoing capital improvement projects:
- Crossroads Elementary
- Bel-Aire Elementary
- Harrison Central Elementary
- Lyman Elementary
- D’Iberville Elementary
- Woolmarket Elementary
- Harrison County Child Development Center
- Watch WLOX update on HCSD 2018 Bond Issue: https://www.wlox.com/2019/04/05/harrison-county-school-district-making-progress-bond-issue-projects/
- Watch WXXV update on HCSD 2018 Bond Issue: https://www.wxxv25.com/2019/04/08/harrison-county-school-bond-referendum-update/
Due to the permitting process and soil quality issues, the completion date for all the bond issue projects has been changed to August of 2021.
HCSD BOND ISSUE WORK BEGINS: November 7, 2018
Preliminary work is already underway to expand and upgrade facilities in the Harrison County School District. The move comes after voters passed a $55 million HCSD bond referendum on November 6th by an overwhelming margin of 75 percent to 25 percent. Earlier this week, the Harrison County School Board adopted a resolution to accept the election results and start the process of selling the bonds.
District leaders are finalizing plans to purchase 40 acres of property on Highway 15 in D'Iberville to build a new K-8 school on the east side of the county, build a new middle school on the west side of HCSD, redesign North Gulfport Middle School into a K-8 school, and renovate school entrances to upgrade security.
"We would like to thank the voters for their support and their investment in our children. We also want to express our deepest gratitude to all of the dedicated volunteers who have worked tirelessly to advocate for students in HCSD. This is a huge win for our students, our families, and the citizens of the Harrison County School District," said HCSD Superintendent, Roy Gill.
HCSD BOND ISSUE PASSES WITH OVERWHELMING VOTER SUPPORT: November 6, 2018
- Watch WLOX story on the HCSD Bond results: https://www.wlox.com/2018/11/07/voters-voice-support-harrison-county-school-bond-too-early-call/
- Watch the Sun Herald video of the HCSD Bond results: https://www.sunherald.com/article221166485.html
- Read U.S. News & World Report article on the HCSD Bond vote: https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/mississippi/articles/2018-11-07/55-million-bond-issue-okd-for-harrison-county-schools
- Watch the McClatchy video on background of the HCSD Bond vote: https://www.mcclatchydc.com/latest-news/article220811300.html
- Watch WXXV preview of the HCSD Bond vote: https://www.wxxv25.com/2018/11/05/harrison-county-school-district-bond-issue-vote/
- Watch WLOX preview of the HCSD Bond vote: https://www.wlox.com/2018/11/06/voters-decide-harrison-county-school-bond-issue-election-day/
- Watch the WLOX story on supporters of the HCSD Bond Issue: https://www.wlox.com/2018/10/29/school-bond-supporters-hit-neighborhoods-with-door-to-door-campaign/
- Hear from former HCSD Superintendent Henry Arledge on the HCSD Bond: https://www.wlox.com/2018/10/26/former-harrison-county-superintendent-adds-voice-support-bond-issue/
- Watch the WLOX story on the safety component of the HCSD Bond Issue: https://www.wlox.com/2018/10/10/harrison-county-sells-school-bond-issue/
- Watch the WXXV story on the safety features of HCSD Bond: https://www.wxxv25.com/2018/10/12/harrison-county-school-district-bond/
- Watch the WLOX story on citizens’ support for the HCSD Bond Issue: https://www.wlox.com/2018/10/16/parents-living-biloxi-gulfport-show-support-harrison-county-school-bond/
- Watch the WLOX story on the HCSD Bond Informational Meetings: https://www.wlox.com/2018/10/25/parents-more-optimistic-after-attending-hcsd-bond-issue-meetings/
- Watch the WLOX story on the HCSD Bond informational meetings: https://www.wlox.com/2018/10/30/just-one-more-harrison-county-school-referendum-meeting-left-until-election-day/
- Watch the WXXV story on the HCSD Bond informational meetings: https://www.wxxv25.com/2018/10/29/harrison-county-bond-informational-meeting-2/
- Watch the WXXV preview of the HCSD Bond informational meetings: https://www.wxxv25.com/2018/10/17/harrison-county-school-bond-issue/
- Watch the WXXV story on the HCSD Bond Informational meetings: https://www.wxxv25.com/2018/10/23/harrison-county-bond-informational-meeting/
- Watch HCSD Superintendent Roy Gill’s response to HCSD Bond concerns: https://www.wlox.com/2018/10/19/harrison-county-school-districts-superintendent-responds-actions-biloxi-gulfport-leaders/
HARRISON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT ANNOUNCES BOND ISSUE: September 25, 2018
The Harrison County School District has experienced tremendous growth over the past decade. The district’s enrollment has continued to increase every year, from 12,877 students in 2008 to more than 15,000 students in 2018.
We are blessed to be able to attract so many families to the Harrison County School District. We are at a point now where we must construct new facilities and upgrade our existing campuses to accommodate all this growth.
The Harrison County School Board has approved up to a $55 million bond issue to build two new schools, redesign one campus, and renovate entrances to improve the security of schools throughout the district. We are seeking public support for this bond issue during an election that will be held on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.
The total cost of the proposed project is up to $71 million. The district has committed up to $16 million toward the initial cost of the project, so the bond issue will be up to $55 million. Based on current projections, the district does not anticipate this bond issue would require an increase in tax mills levied for District purposes.
In addition, there are continual capital improvement projects that are ongoing throughout the district as we continue to grow and improve.
WXXV News story on HCSD Bond Issue announcement:
https://www.wxxv25.com/2018/09/25/harrison-county-school-district-announces-details-bond-issues/
WLBT News story on HCSD Bond Issue announcement:
https://www.wlbt.com/2018/09/26/million-school-bond-should-not-cost-harrison-co-taxpayers-much/
Click on the links below for additional details about the projects.
HCSD Bond Issue Public Letter
Frequently Asked Questions about the HCSD Bond Issue 2018
Bond Issue Sample Ballot
Scope of the Bond Issue:
Bond issue scope 1
Bond issue scope 2
Bond issue scope 3
Bond issue scope 4
Financing the Bond Issue
Project Timeline
Renderings of School Projects:
Proposed New Middle School on West Side
Proposed New K-8 School on East Side
Proposed Redesigned North Gulfport K-8 School
Proposed New Entry Gate at HCHS
If you still have further questions, please email Harrison County School District Public Relations Specialist Trang Pham-Bui at [email protected]
Phase two will be the addition of the elementary gym. Phase three will be four new kindergarten classrooms. This project will convert North Gulfport into a K-8 school. It is slated to be complete in August of 2021.