Construction begins on new Columbia elementary school

Construction began Monday on a new elementary school in southwest Columbia.

Columbia Public Schools held the groundbreaking for the new school at the corner of Scott and Route KK.

The 650 student school will be the city’s 21st elementary school.

It will help ease the large number of students at other schools in that part of the city.

Construction is paid for with a bond fund approved by voters in 2012.

“It’s not overcrowding, it’s bubbling of overcrowding in our elementary schools and this school will help alleviate that. There will be some growing pains with that with some families that might have to move schools or be redistricted. It will be a good thing in the long run for all students and staff,” said School Board President Christine King.

The school doesn’t have a name yet, and it will be open in 2016.