As part of Newton County Schools’ ongoing commitment to continuous improvement, East Newton Elementary will undergo a comprehensive and much-anticipated renovation over the course of two summers.
Phase 1, beginning in late May 2025, will focus on several key areas of the school. Major updates will include:
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Main Entrance & Front Office: The main entrance will be reconfigured to include a new security vestibule. The front office and art room will switch locations within the building, and the remodeled front office will feature centralized workspaces for administrative staff, counselors, the school nurse, and the leadership team. A new conference room will also be added.
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Media Center: A complete interior renovation will transform the media center into a more inviting and functional space to support student learning. A new staff workroom will be located adjacent to the media center and cafeteria, allowing for efficient transitions between learning and break areas.
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Facility Enhancements: Two new visitor/staff restrooms will be installed near the main entrance and main corridor. Additional schoolwide upgrades will include a new roof, HVAC system, fire alarm system, ceiling tiles, lighting, and the installation of a fire sprinkler system. Hallways and corridors will receive new flooring and fresh paint.
Although the new HVAC system will be installed during Phase 1, it will become fully operational in Phase 2, scheduled for Summer 2026.
During Phase 2, further interior renovations will take place, including:
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Classroom Upgrades: Classrooms will be fully modernized with new doors and hardware, flooring, cabinets and casework, as well as updated marker and bulletin boards. Existing wall-mounted HVAC units will be removed, and decorative brickwork will fill the spaces left behind.
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Exterior Improvements: A new driveway entrance will be constructed on Old Starrsville Road, looping around to a new covered entrance near the 1st-grade hallway. The existing playground equipment will be replaced with state-of-the-art play structures, including:
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An artificial turf outdoor classroom between the two main hallways
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A new large play structure near the walking track
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A dedicated play area for Pre-K through 2nd grade at the rear of the school
The entire play area will be enclosed with a secure black vinyl fence for added safety. Parking lots will also be repaved as part of the site improvements.
Through these extensive renovations and enhancements, Newton County Schools remains dedicated to providing world-class facilities that foster safe, engaging, and innovative environments for students, faculty, and staff.
As this project moves forward, additional updates with pictures and information will be provided here.
June 2025 - Phase 1
Renovations and modifications at East Newton Elementary School are underway as part of ESPLOST VI. Phase 1 construction officially commences on May 28. Less than a week after the school year ends, demolition is substantially completed, including the removal of flooring, ceiling finishes, outdated utilities, and the former front office. The pace of progress remains swift, with new electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems already mostly roughed in. Installation of a new sprinkler system is nearing completion. Exterior work is also progressing quickly. The old parking area off Elk’s Club Road is being removed and replaced to accommodate new stormwater structures for the reconfigured student drop-off area.
July 2025 - Phase 1
All electrical, plumbing, and mechanical rough-in work is now complete, and the project transitions into the finish installation phase. The new front office is nearing completion, with walls, lighting, and ceilings already in place. Additional finish work, including carpet installation and painting, is underway and expected to be completed by midweek.
In the hallways, new flooring is fully installed and protected to prevent damage during ongoing work. New ceilings, lighting, and painting are also completed throughout these areas. Classrooms receive new ceilings, lighting, and paint as well. Flooring, furniture, and casework in classroom spaces are scheduled for installation during the next summer phase.
On the exterior, the underground storm structure for the staff parking lot is installed, with only the final topcoat of pavement remaining. The new student drop-off area is fully graded and leveled, and concrete curb installation is scheduled to begin this week, pending weather conditions.
Roofing work advances, particularly in response to the recent fire event. Mitigation of the interior tectum decking is currently underway, along with installation of the PVC outer roof covering the exterior of the cafeteria. The contractor’s mitigation approach is reviewed and deemed both safe and effective by a third-party engineering inspector. As a result, the cafeteria roofing section transitions from Phase 2 to Phase 1.
August 2025
As summer comes to a close and teachers return, the facilities team—working alongside our contractor—is completing final touch-ups and preparing the building for staff and students.
The renovated front office now provides ample administrative and support staff space. Hallways and the cafeteria feature luxury vinyl tile in the school colors, adding durability and pride to the design. The media center has been refreshed with modern furniture and comfortable seating, creating an inviting space for students to read, collaborate, and learn. New LED lighting brightens classrooms and common areas throughout the building, giving the entire school a fresh, vibrant atmosphere.
In addition, the entire interior has received a fresh coat of paint, further enhancing the updated look. The central portion of the building has also received a complete roof replacement, with the gym roof scheduled for completion in Summer 2026.