Meridian students in kindergarten through fifth grade will attend classes at the former Stonington Elementary School during the 2026-2027 school year.

Tom May, the President of the Stonington Community Center, says that when he found out that Meridian had damage so severe from the recent tornado that it would take a full year to recover, it urged him to spring into action and offer up what is now the Stonington Community Center as a place for Meridian elementary students to remain in school. 

District officials say the temporary relocation is needed as the district continues working through storm damage at the Blue Mound campus. According to the school district, the move is intended to provide students and staff with the most normal school year possible under the circumstances. The district says it is especially grateful to the Stonington Community Center and to Tom May for helping make the arrangement possible.

The former school building is currently being prepared for student use ahead of the upcoming school year. Work includes a thorough cleaning of the facility, along with updates such as new flooring in select areas and the replacement of ceiling tiles where needed.

Transportation for families will remain largely the same as in previous years. Students will continue to be dropped off or picked up in Blue Mound at Meridian Elementary School. From there, students will be transported by shuttle bus to the Stonington campus.

District leaders also plan to host an open house at the Stonington facility in early August, once preparations are complete. The event will give students and families a chance to tour the building before the start of classes.

While most elementary students will relocate to Stonington, the district says its preschool program will remain at Meridian Elementary School in Blue Mound. Officials note the district will continue using the pre-K classrooms, cafeteria, and gym at that campus, allowing preschool students to stay in their current location.

Additional information about the open house and the start of the school year will be released as it becomes available. Keep following taylorvilledailynews.com to catch future updates.