Anne Casper, the US consul general, Zuhair Fayez, chief executive officer of Zuhair Fayez Partnership architects, Monti Hallberg, superintendent of the American International School-Jeddah, and Lance Jones, president of the school’s board of trustees, and other officials, at the school’s groundbreaking ceremony. (AN photo)

The American International School-Jeddah (AISJ) plans to build a new campus to accommodate 1,700 students.

The announcement was made at the headquarters of Zuhair Fayez Partnership, the project’s architects. The project would be completed by 2017.

Monti Hallberg, superintendent of the AISJ, kicked off the groundbreaking ceremony and thanked all those involved in the project.

Lance Jones, president of the school’s board of trustees, said the new campus would facilitate learning.

Anne Casper, the US consul general, who was also present, praised officials for helping to improve the school.

Casper said it was an honor to have Zuhair Fayez, chief executive officer of Zuhair Fayez Partnership, to build the new school campus.

“This school has become an academic home to students from over 40 different countries, which imbues the school with diversity,” said Casper in her speech. “This is a wonderful characteristic that is at the heart of American society and which we consider to be one of our national strengths.”

Fayez assured the audience that the project would be a remarkable facility and an outstanding civic area because it would encompass the school and the American consulate.

Fayez complimented the school’s board and staff for moving in the right direction. He also thanked his staff.

The school gave Casper a token of appreciation.

After the speeches, the officials moved outside for the groundbreaking and unveiling of the cornerstone.

Also present at the event were officials from the Ministry of Education, board members, staff and parents.