MADISON, Ala. — Construction is underway on what will be the eighth elementary school in the fast-growing Madison City Schools system.
Officials celebrated the groundbreaking Tuesday morning with crews already at work on the new campus.
The unnamed school -- known temporarily as "Russell Branch" -- is slated to open in August 2026.
District leaders say it will provide needed relief at other schools, which are facing overcrowding as the system adds several hundred new students each year.
Superintendent Ed Nichols thanked the community for providing the financial support for this and other improvement projects.
"This school will be a cornerstone. It will be a cornerstone for our community," he said. "A place where families will gather, friendships will be made for life. But more than that, it'll be a place where young people discover their talents."
Nichols said that a recent increase in millage has allowed MCS to add several new facilities. It will also allow for renovations to Bob Jones High School, the older of two high schools serving the district.
The new elementary school will be named at a later date. It is located west of County Line Road in Limestone County, along Madison Branch Blvd.
Officials were able to purchase the land several years ago and worked with the City of Madison, private developers and others to get plans in order.
School board President Tim Holtcamp said it was important to target the west side of the district for the new school.
"We're excited for this building to be full of students and educators," he said. "Since Madison City Schools was created, we've had several constants. One is excellence and one is growth."
The community will be invited to suggest names for the new school, which is designed for 1,000 students.