GREENVILLE – The contract to begin construction on St. Joseph Catholic Schools’ unification project was officially signed Wednesday, March 23. The new unified school facility at 1501 V.F.W. Road should be completed this summer.
J.A. Moss Construction Company, of Florence,  was awarded the more than $1 million contract to build the 9,000-square-foot student-centered facility, which will add classrooms to the south side of the existing school classroom wings. Four classrooms will be added to the high school wing to accommodate middle school students alongside their high school counterparts.

Bishop Joseph Kopacz (center) and (l-r) Paul Artman, St. Joseph High School principal, Michelle Gardiner, principal of Our Lady of Lourdes School, Catherine Cook, superintendent of Catholic Schools, and Aad DeLange, chief financial officer for the diocese, observe Jimmy Carpenter sign the contract of the construction of the new classrooms. (Photos courtesy of Doreen Muzzi)

In addition, a four-classroom addition for Pre-K, kindergarten, and future growth needs will complete the new elementary school wing. Additional restrooms, a resource room, an elementary library, and a new playground for elementary students also are included in the construction plans.
According to Our Lady of Lourdes principal Michelle Gardiner, the construction will offer the opportunity to expand and enhance the schools’ Catholic identity and religious teachings. “In addition, it is going to give us the ability to expand our technology offerings. Our future plans include installing interactive smart boards in every classroom, and increasing the number of iPads available to our elementary students, she said.”
For Jamie Carpenter, vice president of J.A. Moss Construction Co., Inc., it is a thrill and an honor to be a part of this new project for St. Joseph and Our Lady of Lourdes schools. “I truly believe that bringing the two schools together onto a single campus will bring many benefits to the school system and will help to ensure that Catholic education in Greenville thrives for many years to come.”
As a 1989 graduate of St. Joseph Schools, Carpenter understands the importance of a Catholic education and is pleased to do his part to give back to the next generation of St. Joseph students.
“The education, work ethic and most importantly the life values that I gained throughout my years at both Lourdes and St. Joe have been so important to me on a personal level, and have absolutely been invaluable to me in my professional life,” he said. “Thanks for the opportunity to be a part of this great project. We have a lot to do over the next few month, so let’s get to work.”
School principal Paul Artman noted that from a student and family perspective, it will be magnificent to have everyone on one campus. “I’m exhilarated by the synergy we are creating by having everyone together for pep rallies and educational events. The project is being funded by donations to the “St. Joseph A Family United capital campaign.”
Also announced at the event was the sale of Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School’s current facilities on East Reed Road in Greenville. Queen Bell, the owner of Queen Bell TLC Daycare and Learning Center, purchased the current elementary school property with the intention of expanding her business. Ann Craft McKee, owner/broker of Randal Craft Realty, LLC of Madison, Miss., negotiated the sale.
Queen Bell TLC Daycare and Learning Center is scheduled to move into its new East Reed Road home in July.
For more information, or to donate to the capital campaign, visit www.stjoeirish.org, or email dmuzzi@stjoeirish.org.