PHIL CAMPBELL, AL (WAFF) -
A new school is on its way for those who live in one of the hardest hit areas on April 27, but first the old school must come down.
It's a bitter-sweet day for the community of Phil Campbell as the demolition of the high school got started first thing Wednesday morning.
"We have mixed emotions about today. We worked hard to get through this point," said Gary Williams, Franklin County Schools Superintendent.
Demolition sounds could be heard across town as crews took the first steps at tearing down the school.
For the last year and a half the school has sat in the middle of town badly damaged from the massive tornado.
"It's just further healing in the community here since April the 27th," said Williams.
Local leaders decided not to use the money given to them for repairs, but to instead build a new school - replacing the more than 60-year-old building.
"Progress is being made; we're going to have a state of the art modern school. That'll be best for our students," said Williams.
Williams said the demolition will take about 60 days, and construction will follow shortly after.
He said it is expected to take another school year and a half, maybe two before the new building will be ready for students.
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Phil Campbell was demolished on Wednesday morning, a year after the tornado destroyed it.
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