FLORENCE, Ala. — Weeden Elementary School hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new front office building on Tuesday, August 22. 

Construction of the new building resulted from safety improvements that have taken place at all campuses throughout the district. The new building prevents direct visitor access to classrooms and the school's interior to better protect students, faculty, and staff. 

Designed by Lambert Ezell Durham Architecture, LLC, and constructed by H&N Construction, Inc., the new building was completed just in time for the 2023-2024 school year.

"Safety is one of our first and foremost needs that has to be met in order for our kids to perform," Weeden Principal Daphnae Hogan said in an interview with WAFF 48's Aria Pons. "If they don't feel safe, then it's ... hard for them to perform. So, with this new addition, we have that safety under control, and so now we're on to bigger and better things."

Harlan Elementary School is also undergoing construction for its new front office building, with completion expected in the winter.