At this time last year, around 900 students were enrolled in Leeds Elementary School. Faculty predicted that number to continue to rise in the future. Overcrowding had led to hectic car lines, loud lunchrooms and cramped classrooms.

“We were literally living on top of each other,” Former Leeds Elementary School Principal Lisa Shaddix said. “There wasn’t room to breathe.”

Shaddix said that at some points throughout the year, art classes were held in the hallways, simply because there wasn’t room in any classrooms. This overcrowding even led some of the teachers to combine their classes into one room out of necessity. While the teamwork and cooperation the issue created was a positive outcome, it was not conducive to a learning environment.

“Our teachers were fantastic, they worked together to make our limited space work for the kids,” Shaddix said. “But a move was long overdue.”

Plans for a move began about a year and a half ago. The Leeds City School system recognized the need for a change within the elementary school age bracket. The idea to create Leeds Primary School was born. The school became the fourth in the Leeds City School System.

After over a year of planning and building, on Aug. 5 the school staff was finally allowed into the school to prepare it for the school year. They had only five days before the school year began, and everyone got to work. New furniture was bring brought inside, new technology was being installed and the building was filled with faculty who were excited to make the school their own.

Since then, classrooms, the library, the cafe and other school amenities have all played a role in educating children of Leeds and giving them a comfortable and invigorating place to learn.

Shaddix is now the principal at Leeds Primary School and has enjoyed being able to have an input on the school.

“It was great to be there from the start with this school,” Shaddix said. “I was able to help with decisions that we made in regards to the school, from the colors to the playgrounds.”

The design freedom Shaddix has shows in little ways throughout the building. In the cafe, students are seated, what she referred to as “family style.” This means, instead of long tables with dozens of kids, the tables are smaller, which encourages more manageable conversations among the students.

The school building and grounds are mostly complete. The playground is undergoing final touches this week and should be open to the students very soon. Minor landscaping is still taking place, and Shaddix is hoping to make an outdoor eating courtyard happen.

The one thing the school is still lacking is books to fill the shelves in the new library. The school would be appreciative of monetary donations, so that the library staff could order the books they are needing. If you are interested in donating, but have questions, contact the school at (205) 702-4206.

“We are so excited to have space — a really nice space” Shaddix said. “It gives our students room to learn, and the Elementary school room to grow. Our focus is always on helping our kids learn, and this new facility makes that possible.”