MNPS Opens Renovated and Expanded Paragon Mills Elementary

MNPS cut the ribbon on one of its newest school buildings with a joyous celebration that brought students, staff, family members, and alumni together today at Paragon Mills Elementary School.  

Paragon Mills underwent a major renovation and expansion over the past two years. The 111,760-square-foot facility supports the addition of fifth grade classes and a growing student body, and classrooms now feature upgraded technology to enhance learning across all grade levels. 

The project also includes a new cafeteria large enough for schoolwide gatherings, a flexible gym and playroom with new flooring and equipment, and site improvements to ease pick-up and drop-off. Natural light fills community spaces, creating a bright, welcoming environment for students and staff. 

“The new school year is off to a great start after a wonderful first week, and nowhere more so than here at Paragon Mills Elementary School,” MNPS Superintendent Dr. Adrienne Battle said.  

“Students and staff returned last Tuesday to a beautiful school that has been fully renovated and significantly added on to and that will serve this community well for many years to come. This is what happens when a city invests in its young people and its educators.” 

Dr. Battle was introduced by Tristan McClerkin, a fifth grade student who said he loved the old building but was excited to spend this year in the new one.  

“It's bigger, brighter, and we have a brand new playground,” Tristan said. 

Tristan, who said he has never missed a day of school, was joined for the event by one of the people who has always helped him get there: his grandmother, Malorie Kinzer-McClerkin, who works in MNPS’s enrollment office. 

Also in the audience was Tanya Debro, one of the first students to integrate Paragon Mills in 1971. 

Dr. Battle thanked Shannon Martin and Katie Agnew for leading a fundraising effort that helped to pay for the new cafeteria as well as spaces that can accommodate schoolwide gatherings at Percy Priest and Lakeview elementary schools, which also are in new facilities this year.  

Mayor Freddie O'Connell; Board of Education Chair Freda Player, who represents the Paragon Mills area, and Executive Principal Andy Lyons also spoke, and the Paragon Mills Ensemble performed. 

Lyons thanked the architect, TM Partners, and contractor, Nabholz Construction Corporation, for their work. 

“Every detail reflects your dedication to creating an environment where students can learn, feel safe, and be inspired every single day,” he said. 

Paragon Mills is one of the district’s newest magnet schools through the most recent Magnet Schools Assistance Program grant, with a focus on Spanish language immersion for the more than 600 students.