The future of early learning in Putnam County officially took its first step this week as Putnam County School District leaders, community partners, and students gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of Palatka Primary School.
The ceremony marked the beginning of construction on a new, modern learning environment designed to serve the district’s youngest learners when the school opens in August 2027.
Among those in attendance were school board members, district leadership, city and county officials, construction partners, and staff. But the most important guests of the morning were the kindergarten students from central-area schools—children who will return in just a few years to learn in the new building.
Their excitement was evident as they explored the site and asked questions about their future school, from playground plans to what the ribbon-cutting ceremony might look like. With golden shovels in hand, students helped kick off the project, symbolizing that the work ahead is truly being done for them.
“This school represents our commitment to providing safe, modern learning environments where students can grow and thrive,” Superintendent Rick Surrency shared during the ceremony.
The event also highlighted a powerful full-circle moment for the community. Members of the construction team helping bring the project to life are graduates of PCSD, including an engineer and the on-site construction manager. Once students in the district themselves, they are now helping build the future for the next generation.
For many in attendance, the project is personal. Several district employees were joined by children and grandchildren who will one day walk the halls of Palatka Primary School.
Palatka Primary is part of the district’s continued investment in facilities that support student success, enhance safety, and prepare classrooms for the future of teaching and learning.
As construction begins, the district looks forward to the day when today’s kindergarteners return to a school built just for them—a place where their educational journey will continue to grow.
View photos from the event:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RNA4IgrH7MsBuFtyui2oXS5rbtfxFBiQ?usp=sharing
Putnam County School District is proud to continue building opportunities for students and strengthening the future of our community—because everything we do is for them.
#ProudtobePCSD