Groundbreaking Held For New Elementary School

On April 24, 2025, the Marshall County Board of Education approved a construction bid for a new KDS DAR Elementary School, awarded to First Team Construction, for $21,776,400. With the current Elementary School building at 123% capacity, it’s time for a new space that reflects the excellence of this community - a safe, modern campus where students can grow, teachers can thrive, and the proud history of DAR is honored every step of the way.

Groundbreaking for the new school was held on Thursday, May 15. First Team Construction Company, Inc. of Auburn, Alabama, bid $21,776,400 to build the 60,000 square foot building. Construction should begin in early June 2025, and should take 550 days.

“The groundbreaking marks an exciting new chapter for our students, families, the Marshall County Board of Education, the DAR, and the entire community. This moment represents more than just construction - it’s a symbol of growth, opportunity, and our shared commitment to the future of our children,” said Dr. Cindy Wigley, Superintendent of Education, Marshall County Schools.

The new school will house grades 3 through 5 and will be called KDS DAR Elementary School. Grades Pre-K through 2 will then occupy the Cox Primary Building and the Jacobs Building and will be called KDS DAR Primary School. This naming model is consistent with other schools in the Marshall County system.

“The rendering of the new school beautifully embodies both our proud past and the promise of the future. It honors the tradition and legacy that DAR has always stood for, while also embracing innovation and the technology that will prepare our students for the world ahead,” said Dr. Wigley.

Cilia Smith will remain as the Elementary School Principal, and High School Assistant Principal Brandon Edwards has been named as the new KDS DAR Primary School Principal. The new school will be located on the empty lot at the corner of Cathedral Caverns Highway and Swearengin Road.

The construction project is being paid for from a shared county-wide sales tax.

A community meeting was held on Tuesday, May 13 in the DAR Lunchroom to unveil the final designs for a new Kate Duncan Smith DAR Elementary School and share plans for the construction. Residents were invited to hear about the project and ask questions of Dr. Cindy Wigley, Superintendent of Education, Marshall County Schools; Seawell McKee, Architect, McKee & Associates; Kevin Stubblefield, Assistant County Engineer, Marshall County; and Heather Green, Executive Director, KDS DAR School.