LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – Lake County school board will once again discuss rebuilding Eustis Elementary, a school that has been a community cornerstone for 100 years.
“I think it’s long overdue,” Brianna Phill, a local resident, said. “This neighborhood absolutely needs something upgraded and new for these kids here in Eustis.”
The school board voted last fall to reconstruct and expand the school. Renderings show a remodeled elementary school that maintains its historic charm, including iconic arches and the front porch.
“I love that Eustis really makes that a priority. You know, having that historical significance, even if it’s just the architecture, it’s important,” Phill added.
[PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Eustis Elementary celebrates 100 years with community-driven upgrades]
Keeping the school in the same location was a major priority for the community.
“That was one of the first things that we heard from that community was how much this really is the heart of this area and how much they have embraced it honestly over the hundred years,” Lake County School District Executive Director of Facilities and Growth Planning Kelly Randall told News 6 last fall.
[PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Century-old Eustis Elementary School could get a modern update]
Several upgrades are planned, including new buildings, in-classroom bathrooms and new technology.
The design phase is underway. On Monday night, several agenda items will focus on this part of the project. The initial plan creates enough room for 650 students but leaves space for future expansion to accommodate up to 750.
According to the proposal, while construction is happening, Eustis Elementary school would move to the Curtwright Center for the start of school in Aug. 2027 and stay there until renovations are complete by Aug. 2029.