New North Bay Haven Charter Elementary School building unveiled

Bay Haven Charter Academy Inc. cut the ribbon and opened its doors to welcome students, families, and other guests to its new elementary school Wednesday.

According to Larry Bolinger, Chief Education Officer of Bay Haven Charter Academy, North Bay Haven Charter Elementary School moved from its facility on Balboa Avenue in Panama City to join the middle and high school campus further north.

Bolinger said the project cost $6.3 million.

The ceremony included self-guided tours and a plaque presentation.

Mike McLaughlin, North Bay Haven Charter Academy's K-12 Principal, said he believes moving the elementary school to the same area as the middle and high schools will relieve pressure from parents and guardians.

"I had kids here and I had kids there, so for us to be on one campus now will definitely be a life saver. People don't have to travel all across town anymore. So, it's a combination of, just, it fits our clientele, fits what we believe in, but it's also going to be a time saver for everybody to be on one campus," McLaughlin said.

Bolinger said Palm Bay Prep bought the elementary school's former facility and it will be used as a K-12 charter school.