LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Jefferson County Public Schools cut the ribbon on its newest school. Perry Elementary School is connected to the neighborhood YMCA, allowing students access to swimming lessons and a full size gymnasium.

Kiesha Fulson is taking it all in.

“I am who I am today because of the educators who cared about me and took me under their wing,” said Fulson. 

Fulson is the first principal of Perry Elementary in west Louisville.

Perry is a JCPS project six years in the making. The new school is one of 23 new facilities JCPS plans to build in the next ten years.

Fulson has spent countless hours perfecting colorful details like collaborative spaces, innovative seating and more to make students feel safe and ready to learn.

Construction workers and Fulson have been working around the clock to finish the last details before the school bell rings.

“I am not stressed at all because these men have been working so hard to make sure this building is going to be ready for students the first day,” Fulson said. 

Perry Elementary is a little different from your average school.

It’s connected to the YMCA, allowing students access to the gymnasium, a water slide and free swimming lessons.

Fulson, her staff and JCPS Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio cut the ribbon on the facility with the potential to change the lives of students who walk through its doors.

“Kids when they are walking into this school, when they see we are investing them, it is symbolic to the kids. They see what a beautiful facility it is, but the most important thing are the adults that are there to meet them,” said Pollio. 

“I look forward to a great year, and I cannot wait to see what we become,” said Fulson. 

The pumas are officially on the prowl at Perry Elementary.