Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – While there have been some hiccups and delays, Gulf Shores School Superintendent Dr. Matt Akin says the new high school at the southwest corner of Coastal Gateway Boulevard and the Foley Beach Express should welcome students to start the 2026-27 school year.

“The project is progressing at a steady pace, though we are currently about a week behind schedule due to the heavy rain from a few weeks ago,” Akin said. “However, the contractors have been working weekends to make up for lost time, and we’re very pleased with their efforts and the progress being made. Fortunately, we were able to complete all the site work and infrastructure under a separate contract before actual construction began, which gave us a strong head start.”

Akin said the project is being completed as a whole and all the components of the school are being constructed at the same time.

“While there is a structured schedule that dictates which components need to be completed first, such as the foundational footings, there isn't a particular building or area that takes priority over the others,” Akin said. “Each phase of construction is interconnected, and all parts of the project are progressing in tandem to ensure the high school is completed efficiently and on time.”

Passing the site on the road, it's easy to see the progress being made, but actually standing on the site and looking around is encouraging, Akin said.

“My favorite part of the new high school project has been witnessing the incredible progress firsthand,” Akin said. “While we receive detailed updates during our bi-weekly meetings, nothing compares to visiting the site a couple of times each week and seeing the transformation in person. Watching the building rise from the ground, with each new phase of construction, is both exciting and inspiring. It’s a visible reminder of the future impact this facility will have on our students and community.”

Originally, the bid for the complex was $131 million but plans to add a new athletic center which will also include two competition-size gyms, locker rooms for all varsity and junior varsity sports, meeting rooms, training rooms, and coaches’ offices. That change and other smaller additions have pushed the total for the complex to $144 million.

The addition will be an 80,000-square-foot covered practice facility to be used by all sports, including football, baseball, softball, soccer and the rest of the 23 sports offered by the school.

“It will be outdoor, it will be covered, it will be turfed with synthetic turf, so there are opportunities for several sports to participate and or get out of the sun and still have a covered practice,” School Board President Kevin Corcoran said when the facility was added at a February council meeting.

“The new Gulf Shores High School will be an incredible place for learning once completed, and I am deeply grateful for the city of Gulf Shores' unwavering support,” Akin said. “The mayor and city council have made a strong commitment to providing the best possible education for the children of our community, and they are truly delivering on that promise.”