Park View school moving week early

CLEVELAND, Tenn. — Park View Elementary School will be open in its new location on Sept. 13, principal Deb Bailey said.

The school began its inaugural year at North Cleveland Church of God while construction on its building at 300 Minnis Road still was under way.

Teachers originally expected to move on Sept. 20, so the change was welcome news, Bailey said.

Teachers began moving materials into the building on Thursday.

“I hope the building’s ready for us, because we’re ready for it,” fourth-grade teacher Brooke Plank said.

One of two routes to the school will be closed until around the 20th, Bradley County Director of Schools Johnny McDaniel said Thursday night. He said parents will have to use Benton Pike and Durkee Road to get to the school. Minnis Road from U.S. 64 to the school will be closed, he said.

Bailey said school officials will “have to do a super job” getting the word out to parents. She said about 40 percent of students come to school in cars.

Christopher Quinn, children’s pastor at North Cleveland Church of God, has organized about 25 volunteers to help move boxes, Bailey said.

“I’m sure it’s been more challenging for them trying to work in an environment that’s not a school than it’s been for us to have the school here,” Quinn said. “It’s been really wonderful having them around.”

Bailey said she’s been talking with Mayfield Elementary School principal Dee Dee Finison about how best to coordinate the transition. Mayfield moved to its new location in 2007.

While Park View personnel enjoyed their time at North Cleveland, Bailey said, the temporary site has been “definitely crowded.”

Fourth-grade teacher Holly Edwards said the entire school cheered when Bailey announced the move over the intercom at North Cleveland.

“It’s kind of crazy, but good crazy,” she said. “We’re ready to start the year — all over again.”

Staff writer Randall Higgins contributed to this story.