Clark-Shaw parents attend meeting

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - When middle school students at Clark-Shaw magnet went home for Christmas break, they never expected to return to campus and find high school students there.

But that's going to be the case next week when Murphy high school students move into their facility.

Murphy's midtown campus was trashed by the Christmas day tornado and on Thursday night Clark-Shaw parents were updated on the transition.

School Superintendent Martha Peek said school officials didn't have a lot of choices, but they felt Clark-Shaw was the best option. Peek said they looked at many scenarios but Clark-Shaw is a former high school, and it had the facilities that could properly allow a middle and a high school to operate together without blending the students.

The back side of Clark-Shaw magnet school is being transformed into an outdoor high school.

Mobile County school officials plan to set up 70 portables out here for classrooms, bathrooms and a dining hall.

This will be the new Murphy High School since the midtown campus was all but destroyed by an EF-2 tornado.

"I’m just hoping the same rules apply for the Murphy students that apply for my students,” said one concerned woman.

PHOTOS: Murphy High School damaged in storm

On Thursday, Jan. 3, Clark-Shaw parents and teachers packed an auditorium to learn about the transition.

Officials emphasized the students will remain separate. The middle school students will have their classes inside the building while the high school will primarily be in the back.

Peek said a fence will separate the two.

Superintendent Martha Peek said high school students are being told to be role models for the younger students. And officials acknowledged this construction is leaving a big mess, but Peek said it will be cleaned up after Murphy High school is repaired. She also said the work is all being paid for by insurance money.

One student we talked to was concerned about the crowding.

Peek admitted that there may be some issues arising with this transition, but she's confident that classes will run smoothly.

"I don't have no problem with it because things happen in life, and everybody need a chance you know? That's the way I look at it,” said parent Michael Brown.

Peek said the state building commissioner has approved a safety plan in case severe weather or a fire affects the facility.

This school sits right in the middle of a neighborhood. Officials said if high school students park there, they will be ticketed.

Officials said parking will be made available for the high school students.

Also, school officials emphasized that if any students have problems with making this transition, they can be relocated to another school.