WINDSOR—Progress in the construction of the future Georgie D. Tyler Middle School in Windsor was marked Friday afternoon with the signing of a steel beam and topping off ceremony.

Isle of Wight County School Supt. Katrise Perera, three school board members and several other administrators used pens to write their wishes for the school’s success. Then the construction crew lifted the beam and welded it into place.

“This is one of the last major steel beams,” Perera said smiling.

“They’re probably catching up,” she added when asked about the building progress. “It’s crucial they make up some time.”

The rain in spring and summer delayed work enough for the school board to postpone the opening to next fall. The first week of January was the original opening.

The cost for the new school is $19.3 million, with monies that have been added for contingencies.

Windsor Middle School Principal Susan Goetz was among those who got to autograph the beam.

“We’re mainly excited about what the new school is going to bring to us – the students and teachers – and Windsor,” she said. “We’re very, very excited.”

Laura Abel, assistant superintendent for Curriculum/Instruction and Administration, was another guest offering her best.

“This is a big moment, and a wonderful future,” she said.

Robert Eley, school board chairman, anticipates the future school will be a source of pride for the community for a long time.

He believes the security will make the place a safe environment, “which can only improve education.”

Vanir Construction Management Inc. and Ritchie-Curbow Construction Inc. of Williamsburg are responsible for not only building the new school, named after a well-known educator, but also tearing down the Windsor Middle School next door.