If you attended George Marks Elementary as a kid, raise your hand. Okay, you probably look ridiculous, so you can put it down. If you grew up in DeLand and went to George Marks, you aren’t alone with several other longtime residents who proudly state they are a GME Bulldog.
George Marks Elementary sits on 25 acres and has been an educational staple nestled in the heart of DeLand, between North Garfield and North Amelia Avenues just a few blocks from Stetson University. Thousands of DeLand children have attended the school since it’s opening in 1956. The problem is that the campus hasn’t changed much over the years. The Volusia County School Board has done their best to update the building where needed, but with changes in technology and security needs, the school is outdated.
That is all about to change. Over the summers of 2019 and 2020, the school will undergo a major change. None of the existing 19 buildings have been deemed historic, so most will be demolished and new buildings will be constructed. It will be done over the summers since the construction will happen on the existing site and will keep students from being displaced during the school year.
Florida-based architect Harvard Jolly Architects, who only designs schools, will be in charge of the new design. George Marks Elementary currently has less than 600 students, and the new school design will allow for 750-850 students. The hope is to also ease the growth of Citrus Grove Elementary. The new George Marks will feature a fenced campus with a single entry point. Cameras will monitor the campus and teachers will have key-card entry. Teachers will have increased ease in integrating technology and art, music and cafeteria/auditorium spaces will have modern design and more square footage.
DeLand is expected to have a population explosion in the coming years on the south end of town, but growth is also expected to happen near the downtown area. George Marks was once the most sought after elementary school in the area. Thanks to proposed security features for the new campus, the new architectural design and its proximity to Downtown and Stetson University, George Marks Elementary School is sure to continue to hold a special place in the heart of students for years to come.
That is all about to change. Over the summers of 2019 and 2020, the school will undergo a major change. None of the existing 19 buildings have been deemed historic, so most will be demolished and new buildings will be constructed. It will be done over the summers since the construction will happen on the existing site and will keep students from being displaced during the school year.
Florida-based architect Harvard Jolly Architects, who only designs schools, will be in charge of the new design. George Marks Elementary currently has less than 600 students, and the new school design will allow for 750-850 students. The hope is to also ease the growth of Citrus Grove Elementary. The new George Marks will feature a fenced campus with a single entry point. Cameras will monitor the campus and teachers will have key-card entry. Teachers will have increased ease in integrating technology and art, music and cafeteria/auditorium spaces will have modern design and more square footage.
DeLand is expected to have a population explosion in the coming years on the south end of town, but growth is also expected to happen near the downtown area. George Marks was once the most sought after elementary school in the area. Thanks to proposed security features for the new campus, the new architectural design and its proximity to Downtown and Stetson University, George Marks Elementary School is sure to continue to hold a special place in the heart of students for years to come.
