CULLMAN, Ala. (WBMA) — Cullman County Schools is investing nearly $6 million in two campus expansions aimed at easing overcrowding, replacing aging buildings and improving safety for students.

District leaders on Thursday unveiled new classroom additions at the Child Development Center and Hanceville Middle School, projects they say address long-standing space issues as enrollment continues to grow.

For years, some students in the district have attended classes in portable buildings — temporary spaces that officials say were never meant for long-term use.

“But they’re not good — they’re always tight quarters, many of them,” said State Superintendent Eric Mackey. “You have to move your desk around so teachers can do the work they want to do.”

At the Child Development Center on U.S. Highway 31 North, a $2.4 million addition includes eight new classrooms, a storm shelter and improved traffic flow for families and staff. The project also replaces mobile units with permanent learning spaces.

At Hanceville Middle School, a $3.3 million expansion adds classrooms, a library and meeting space, along with a tornado shelter. The project replaces Edmondson Hall, one of the oldest buildings in the district.

“The building was almost 100 years old that they were in,” said Superintendent Shane Barnette.

The new additions are designed to support more flexible, hands-on learning. Barnette said updated classrooms will allow for group activities and provide features like sinks for science instruction.

“We’re going to have desks that can be rearranged for group activities and they have access to sinks when they’re doing science experiments,” Barnette said.

Teachers say the difference will be immediate for students transitioning out of cramped portable spaces.

“Put those big kids in those portables — that was very difficult,” said Amy Whaley, a teacher at Hanceville Middle School. “So they’re going to think they’re in a mansion.”

Both projects also include storm shelters, a feature district leaders say is critical in an area prone to severe weather.

District officials said the projects were funded through a combination of state and grant funding, without taking on debt.

Leaders say the work is part of a broader effort to phase out portable classrooms and keep up with continued growth — while investing in safer, more effective learning environments for students.