Surf City Elementary and Middle schools open in Pender County

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The doors finally opened to two brand new schools in Pender County Thursday.

Nearly four years after voters approved a $75 million school bond, Surf City Elementary and Middle schools are ready to welcome students.

Pender County School Board Chairman Kenneth Lanier says it’s a great feeling to see the project finally complete.

“When you have the finished project, it’s a great, you see it, the proof’s in the pudding. Here we have this beautiful school that can accommodate about 1,650 new students, and we need it because Pender County’s a very fast growing county,” said Lanier.

Parents and students were able to tour the school, check out their bus routes, and meet their teachers.

“It feels amazing to be a part of opening up a new building,” said first grade teacher Michelle Curry.

Curry says it’s exciting to have teachers from different schools work together under one roof.

“Some of the adjustments are hard for some people, but everyone has been chipping in and helping out,” said Curry.

As far as adjusting to the new setting, the kids seem to be just fine.

“It’s so beautiful! We are excited about having friends, and seeing everything like the cafeteria, I like the gym, we are just so excited for the first day of school,” said second-graders Isabella and Sophia.

School begins Monday in Pender County.

Click here for more information on your child’s school.