Site work has begun on the new Hackleburg High School and work is expected to begin on the new Phil Campbell High School by early 2013.

“It’s been amazing to see how dozers moving into an area has caused so much excitement,” Hackleburg Principal John Hardin said this morning.

Hardin said the heavy equipment started moving into town Wednesday and some site preparation work is under way.

He said plans are to open bids for the construction of the new school next week along with bids for the football stadium, fieldhouse along with baseball and softball fields.

Franklin County Superintendent Gary Williams said the bid has been approved for work at Phil Campbell and he has been told the contractor will begin moving in equipment between Christmas and the new year.

“And he will be ready to start right after that,” Williams said.

The two schools were heavily damaged by the April 27, 2011, tornadoes that ripped through northwest Alabama.

The schools are expected to be ready by the 2014 school year.