By GINNY COOPER / Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO—Montevallo Elementary School and Montevallo High School both underwent significant aesthetic and security improvements during the summer, which are slated to be complete before students return in the fall.

At Montevallo Elementary, the front exterior of the school was improved with a new entrance and a canopy. The new entrance is one of the first to be completed under the Shelby County school district’s new Safe Schools Initiative, which includes improving school architecture to enhance safety features.

As part of the new safety initiative, visitors will now enter an alcove area and proceed to a window to speak to the front office receptionists. Once the visitor has stated a reason for visiting the school, the receptionist will buzz them through a secured door to gain admittance to the school.

The new front canopy of the building was completed in conjunction with a redesign of the driveway and parking lot area, and the new driveway will be utilized for car rider drop-off, according to Facilities and Maintenance Coordinator Randy Reeves.

“The good thing about this design is that it more than doubles the amount of stacking room that they had previously,” Reeves said. “This will enable them to get more cars into the line and off of the road.”

Montevallo High School also received a new driveway and front parking lot as well as wood laminate flooring in the front hallway, refurbished and freshly-painted lockers and new landscaping and picnic areas.

Principal Wesley Hester said the changes to the appearance of the school will have a positive impact for the students.

“The climate and culture of the school will be enhanced,” Hester said. “It really is just a boost to our students.”

The Family and consumer Science building has also been completely renovated and features new wood laminate flooring and a state-of-the-art culinary lab.

“Having a stand-alone culinary arts program at a high school is something we’re really proud of,” Hester said. “(The new facilities) are really going to take it to the next level. It will be something we’re known for her at Montevallo High School.”

Montevallo Middle School is also slated to undergo major capital improvements during the coming school year.