Architect Craig R. Buckley of Swainsboro presented plans Monday to the Long County Board of Education for a third-through-eighth grade complex to house new Long County Middle and Walker Elementary schools.

Ground has been broken off Highway 84 near Elim Church Road for the complex.

Buckley said the complex is designed to keep elementary and middle school students apart. Both schools comprise about 256,000 square feet and will have separate gyms.

While some areas appear to be shared, Buckley said, “They are kept separate by administrative offices” and other features.

Each school will feature security and the gyms, media centers and cafeteria with stage, music and special-education rooms. Access will be through administrative areas at both school, he said.

“There is still some tweaking to be done to the exterior designs and signage,” Buckley said.

The board approved the plan unanimously.

Superintendent Dr. Robert Waters said the project will have minimal impact on wetlands.

Buckley said construction bids should be solicited with the next month.

In other business Monday, Amanda Sikes, the school system’s instructional accountability specialist, presented a report on updates to the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports program, which is to help student behavior while aiding in academic improvement.

“If a child doesn’t know how to behave, we teach them,” she said. “If a child doesn’t know how to read, we teach them.”

The program falls under the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs. Sikes said Long County has used PBIS for several years and that special-education teachers and aides have recently undergone additional training.

Also, board Chairwoman Janet Watford thanked Long County Middle School for gifts give to each board member.