Just months ago, the once serene surroundings enveloping Marco Island Academy were disrupted by bittersweet sounds: trees being ripped from the ground, the deafening drone of hourless drilling; it brought about juxtaposing emotions that were all but unexpected.

Each day, students would rush to the classroom windows to watch the trees being torn down. Every once in a while, you’d hear one say solemnly, “This is so sad.” Minutes later, however, you’d hear that same person say “It’s about time–I’ve been waiting four years for this.” It’s almost like they didn’t know how they were supposed to feel. Joyful? Sorrowful? 

Such a strange blend of emotions managed to unite both the student and faculty population alike. They’d watch together and reminisce about years past, laughing over inside jokes and the overall enjoyable times they’ve experienced on our unique campus. The seniors would express their intentions to come back and visit when the new building is finally done, while the younger years would speak with great excitement with the prospects of roaming around their new school.

But, one day, everything fell silent again. Except, this time, the area around MIA was no longer serene; it was empty–quiet, a husk of what it once was. The trucks had gone, and in their place was instead far less material–it was confusion.

Where had they all gone? Luckily, someone on campus has answers.

“Currently, everything is at the city level, going through permitting,” Marco Island Academy’s Dean of Students Mr. Ray explained. “When you submit paperwork for construction, they will review it, and they will question some items. You have to have a response for those items before the permitting is finalized.” 

He described the process as one of checks and balances, where power — or authority — is divided in a way that no single party has too much power over the other. This concept is most commonly attributed to the United States’ three branches of government, where each branch has the power to “check” each other. For example, the legislative branch has the power to pass a law. This can be checked by the executive branch, which either approve or veto the law. Then, there’s the judicial branch, who can check the decision of the executive branch; they can deem it constitutional, unconstitutional, or specify in what way the law should be interpreted.

 A similar system can be applied to this scenario; MIA drew up plans for a building, the construction company agreed to take on the project, and the City of Marco Island has to make sure the plans are in accordance with various laws, policies, and local regulations. 

“The construction company is ready to go, we’re ready to go–we’re doing as much as we can to help the process move a little bit quicker.”

However, the burning question around campus is when? When can we expect to see construction start up again?

“We are optimistic that there will be vehicles on-site when we all return back to school,” Mr. Ray clarified. 

It’s truly an exciting time to be a Ray.