Hamilton County Schools has delayed the opening of the new Hixson Middle School to spring 2009 because construction work can’t be finished in time, officials said.

The school originally was to open in January, but Gary Waters, assistant superintendent of auxiliary services, said everyone involved felt it was in the best interest of students to delay the opening.

“It was an extremely aggressive schedule, and we are not at the stage where we can complete the project by Christmas,” Mr. Waters said. “The contractor has made the best effort to get the building ready, working six-day shifts for the last two months. But they just couldn’t get it done.”

School board Chairman Kenny Smith said missing the original opening date was unfortunate, but he said waiting a few months made more sense than charging ahead and perhaps sacrificing quality.

“I think it makes more sense to delay the opening rather than rushing,” Mr. Smith said. “I’d rather see it completed and the work done right. ... I know Gary Waters and the contractor are going to work very hard to get it open as soon as possible.”

Rather than opening the school at its original time, the district was focused on not compromising the quality of instruction in classrooms with constant construction noise and disruptions, Mr. Waters said.

Karman Wilkes, the school’s Parent Teacher Student Association vice president, said there was some disappointment with the delay, but most would rather have the school complete when classes begin.

“We’re all still very excited and grateful to have a new school,” Ms. Wilkes said. “I think it would be a distraction, however, to have the students go back with work still needing to be done. There might be some disappointment, but we are still seeing progress daily when we drive by.”

The old school can hang on for a few more months, said Melanie Ozborn, PTSA president.

“Our current school is sort of like an old coat. It will certainly do the job for the rest of the year if it needs to,” she said. “We’re grateful for a new school, so we won’t complain about having to wait.”

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