By CHRISTOPHER SMITH

Covington County School students will return to class today, despite freezing temperatures.

“We have had people on the clock this week making sure all the heaters in the schools are in top shape,” said superintendent Shannon Driver.

After several months of construction and maintenance, Straughn Elementary will open its brand new Pre-K and Kindergarten building this semester with six kindergarten classes in the building starting on Friday.

The Covington County Board of Education in September of 2016 awarded the low bid for the project to Diversified General Contractors, who bid around $1.8 million, but the school board and the contractor were able to work together to get the costs down to approximately $1.7 million.

“We are very excited to bring this addition to the school, since it means we are expanding and attracting new families,” Driver said.

Andalusia City Schools and Opp City Schools will go back to classes on Mon., Jan. 8.

“Though the bus rides will be cold, everybody is looking forward to getting back and starting the new semester,” Driver said.