A Look Inside Chatham County's Newest School

There are still signs of construction outside. A dumpster here, some workers there.

But once you get inside the new Pulaski elementary, it shows a bright new future.

"I can see students and families together walking in. Putting a smile on their face and a positive attitude," said Otis Brock, Operations Manager for Savannah-Chatham schools. "They are excited about wanting to learn in a brand new school."

A nearly $14-million new school which will soon be home to almost 650 students.

They will learn in news schools with each room different from the last. All designed to help those kids learn.

"You really want to have an open area feeling for the kids to have plenty of daylight, a relaxed environment," explained David Scheele, Vice President of Elkins Construction's Savannah Operations Group. "At the same time bright colors to motivate."

David Scheele from Elkins Construction can point out each specialty spot in the building.

Two floors of open spaces. Bigger offices and 39 classrooms for all ages.

A school built in Savannah, by Savannahians.

75% local workers who not only made it safe but energy efficient too.

"Its really a double whammy,'" said Scheele. "Not only do you get a new school but the energy costs which are pretty significant are going to be a lot less in this school."

Even something simple like the school walls. There's no brick here, its poured concrete lifted up into place.

"It took two months off," said Scheele. "Instead of a year we got done in 10 months and we could open school up."

The boxes in each room, just one sign that this Pulaski will be open on time.

An assembly and architectural victory for the school system, and the company who helped make it happen

"Construction is our business, but we are really here to make sure the kids have a great place to learn," smiled Scheele. "Its really about building the future of Chatham County."

School officials say this whole project wouldn't be possible without the help of Hunter Army Airfield, its commanders and the federal government. They leased Savannah-Chatham schools the land for next to nothing, and have helped every step of the way.

There were more money-saving ideas. The school system was able to save money on architecture by using a previous plan, and the same floor plan is in the works for the brand new Gadsden Elementary School.

That school will actually move into Pulaski's old building this year while their new facility is built.