WIMAUMA, Fla. — As more people start to call Southeastern Hillsborough County home, the demand for schools is even greater.
On Tuesday, builders put the final touches on a new middle school in Wimauma, bringing it one step closer to welcoming students through the doors.
WATCH: Wimauma Middle School is a year out from completion
District leaders say the need for more classroom space in this part of the county is critical.
Chris Farkas is the deputy superintendent for Hillsborough County Public Schools.
“We are growing so fast and with homes comes students so we have middle schools that are bursting at the seams. This middle school coming out of the ground is just so important, ” said Farkas.
That rapid growth is exactly why this school is being built. Hillsborough County School Board Member Lynn Gray said she has watched the area change firsthand.
“For the last 11 years I’ve seen Wimauma and the outskirts just proliferate with housing developments, apartment complexes. shopping centers you know where to our students go? Where do these children go?” said Gray.
District officials explained that boundary changes will determine which students attend the new middle school. It is being built on the same site as Aquilla J. Morgan High School. The principal there, Brittney Wilhem, said that setup will be a big help for working families.
“For our families to be able to come and drop their middle schoolers off right here then right across the street is the high school,” said Wilhem.
The $ 72 million project will serve up to 1,600 students. It will be open for students in August of 2027.
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